B-Side Guys

It’s always a treat to find a new artist who is willing to dive headfirst into the murky waters of the human psyche, exploring the hidden crevices and unspoken truths that most of us are too afraid to confront. With her new EP “Poetry (for the scorned and lonely),” Mary Middlefield proves herself to be a fearless navigator of the heart’s darkest corners, crafting a work that is as unflinching as it is deeply moving.

Released on April 25, 2024, “Poetry” is a departure from Middlefield’s previous work, which often dealt with themes of unrequited love and romantic longing. Over the course of eight tracks and 28 minutes, the singer-songwriter delves into the more taboo aspects of relationships, from the isolating effects of abuse to the societal pressures surrounding physical intimacy. It’s a bold and daring move, one that cements Middlefield’s status as an artist unafraid to speak her truth, no matter how uncomfortable or painful it may be.

The EP’s opening track, “Sexless,” sets the tone for what’s to come. An exploration of the expectations surrounding sex and relationships, the song finds Middlefield dissecting the ways in which our culture stigmatizes singlehood and independence. “I haven’t had sex in the past year,” she sings, her voice equal parts defiant and vulnerable. It’s a powerful statement, one that challenges the notion that physical intimacy is the be-all and end-all of human connection.

From there, “Poetry” takes listeners on a journey through the various stages of heartbreak and healing. On “Atlantis,” Middlefield grapples with the aftermath of a toxic relationship, her voice aching with the weight of unspoken trauma. “Allodynia” is a haunting meditation on the physical and emotional pain of abuse, with Middlefield’s ethereal vocals floating over a bed of shimmering, almost ghostly instrumentation.

But even in the EP’s darkest moments, there is a sense of resilience and hope that shines through. “Heart’s Desire” is a sweeping, cinematic ode to the transformative power of self-love, with Middlefield’s vocals soaring over a lush arrangement of strings and piano. “Love me, Love me not?” is a playful yet poignant exploration of the push-and-pull of modern dating, with Middlefield’s clever wordplay and catchy melodies belying the song’s deeper themes of insecurity and self-doubt.

Sonically, “Poetry” is a stunning showcase of Middlefield’s versatility as an artist. From the stripped-down acoustics of “Last Letter” to the pulsing, electronic beats of “Young and Dumb,” each track feels like a fully realized world unto itself, inviting listeners to lose themselves in the depths of Middlefield’s emotions. The production, helmed by a team of top-notch collaborators, is lush and immersive, with every note and texture carefully crafted to serve the songs’ emotional core.

But it’s Middlefield’s lyrics that truly set “Poetry” apart. Throughout the EP, she displays a rare gift for turning the personal into the universal, capturing the complex and often contradictory nature of the human heart with startling clarity and insight. On the title track, she reflects on the power of art to heal and transform, her words a balm for the soul of anyone who has ever felt lost or alone.

It’s a theme that runs throughout the EP, the idea that even in our darkest and most painful moments, there is still beauty and meaning to be found. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected and isolating, “Poetry” is a reminder of the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and connection, both with others and with ourselves.

Ultimately, what makes “Poetry” such a remarkable work is the way in which it refuses to offer easy answers or tidy resolutions. Middlefield knows that the journey of healing and self-discovery is a messy and often non-linear one, full of setbacks and false starts. But she also knows that it is a journey worth taking, a path that can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

With “Poetry (for the scorned and lonely),” Mary Middlefield has crafted an EP that feels like a beacon of light in the darkness, a hand reaching out to anyone who has ever felt lost or broken. It’s a work of raw, unflinching honesty, a testament to the power of art to give voice to the unspeakable and to remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. And in a world that often feels like it is spinning out of control, that is a message that we could all stand to hear.