Athena Lim is back with the rather interesting "Madrid," her second single, and a glimpse of the emotional space we can look forward to on her debut album. Hot on the heels of the clamorous reception of her summer EP, Hello Frances, Lim proves here, yet again, that there’s no one quite like her when it comes to the sublime and smooth melding of story and sound.
'Madrid' is a love song against a dreamy, melancholic soundscape that feels simultaneously intimate and cinematic. The track embodies the push-and-pull of longing and distance as Lim’s gentle but resonant vocals take charge. Her vocals cascade easily over a tender piano line and wispy string arrangements, setting a scene that feels a little like being wrapped in a blanket on a cold night.
As lyrics, 'Madrid' unpacks the bittersweet ache of being apart. Lim’s vivid imagery transports you to cobblestone streets, flickering lamplights, and a memory of love. Lines such as “I trace your shadow in the Spanish sun / But the city feels empty when you’re gone” land with pinpoint accuracy, tugging at heartstrings while leaving listeners longing.
Made with a light but deft touch that lets Lim’s artistry take center stage, the track swells with moment-to-moment, understated crescendos, revealing her skill at arranging layers of emotion around a restricted, minimalist skeleton.
Madrid’s playing less like some classic single and more an opportunity to delve into the undiscovered pockets of Lim’s heart and mind. It’s a song that stays with you long after the last note. It is bittersweet but tailored to anyone who has tried to pursue love across time zones.
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