Music Review: Madeline Kenney explores post-breakup repair on 'A New Reality Mind'

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Madeline Kenney, “A New Reality Mind” (Carpark Records)

Madeline Kenney’s new album “A New Reality Mind” is a neatly woven ethereal treatise on rebuilding after a relationship collapse.

The Oakland-based singer-songwriter fused her thoughts and music together during the pandemic, sorting through it all in a basement she once shared with her partner. The result is a lush, sonic exploration that would not be out of place on a playlist heavy with Cocteau Twins.

Early tracks like “Plain Boring Disaster” and “Superficial Conversation” offer melodies that meander and flow as if conceived underwater. They deal with innocent missteps and the personal ability to move past them.

Kenney hits her best stride on “It Carries On,” a gorgeous song about working through personal pain. Musician Jeff Kolhede plays a nice featured saxophone section on this deftly mixed track.

Sudden solitude following a breakup clearly moved Kenney to explore her raw emotions through art and sound. Choosing to create and not wallow is the precise kind of process that can deliver good music in the right hands.

“A New Reality Mind” feels sincere and personal and hits the right emotional mark. Kudos to Kenney for her passion and vulnerability.