Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Madeline Finn – Whippoorwill (2020)

Madeline Finn is exploring the world of personal sacrifices and the meaning of success in her single ‘Whippoorwill’. Written as a conversation with her future self, Finn looks at all the things she has given up to be where she thinks she wants to be. The contemplative track plunges you into her soundscape as the music swells and her inquisitive vocals sweep over you.

The single continues the dynamic soundscape Finn is becoming known for. Drawing on a wide range of musical stylings, she melds sparse folk with twanging rock and meditative pianos. Combined with her vocals talents, she is able to mould each style to suit her needs. After fronting two bands, she released her solo album with this single providing the final nail to hook you to her sound.



‘Whippoorwill’ lightly draws you in using a progressive yet gentle soundscape. The light touches of the piano line dance across your ears. There is a misty feeling to the melody that makes you feel at ease and lets you breathe a little easier. The meditative flow of the music is enhanced by the guitar lines that twang lightly later in the track. The guitars add a new dimension to the melody that builds in the latter half of the song for a crescendo, like a wave breaking over the rocks.

The initial meditative flow of the melody is echoed by Finn’s vocals. She whispers to you at the start of the track drawing you into the conversation with her future self. There is an inquisitive feeling to her performance that turns into a sense of confidence at what she is doing. As the melody builds with the guitars, Finn’s voice matches it as she gains power. There is a lot of passion in her vocals that pull you into the burst of wanting to do better that comes later in the track.

Madeline Finn contemplates what you give up to get where you want to be in the meditative yet passionate ‘Whippoorwill’. The single has a wonderful movement in the melody that flows from sparse and gentle to a crashing against the sonic waves. Finn showcases the power of her vocals on the track as she matches the melodic movement and infuses passion into each word.

Find out more about Madeline Finn on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.