Frances Madden Gave Nostalgia New Wings with Soul-Soaked Indie Pop in ‘Next Flight Home’ –

Next Flight Home is metaphorically enough to set your soul in motion towards the object of your emotional gravity. Nestled within the radio-ready indie-pop production is the seraphic bliss of 60s and 70s nostalgia; a kaleidoscope of languid haze spills through every progression, carrying the soft charm of a coffee house soundtrack, nuanced drippings of funk, and the spirit of a country gospel sermon. Hovering above the genre-fluid tableau of aural emotion are Frances Madden’s dusky harmonies that make you forget you’re listening to a contemporary track instead of an LP crackling on a vintage turntable. Sublime doesn’t even come close to cutting it when describing Madden’s imprint on the airwaves.

Sydney-based Frances Madden has made a name for herself by fusing jazz, soul, and pop into lush sonic daydreams. Her music has earned acclaim across Australian radio, and her previous releases have racked up impressive streaming numbers while drawing comparisons to the golden era of jazz-influenced pop.

Backed by a world-class band and a penchant for smoky, narrative-driven lyricism, she’s one of the few modern artists who can make nostalgia feel brand new without losing her pulse on the present moment. Next Flight Home is a testament to that ability, stitching together sepia-tinged romance with playful retro textures to create a track that feels timeless but refreshingly unpretentious.

Next Flight Home is now available on all major streaming platforms via this link. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast