Midwife, aka New Mexico-based multi-instrumentalist Madeline Johnston, just released her last album Forever in April last year, but having been unable to tour she’s made lemonade and recorded a whole new album called Luminol, which comes out in July via The Flenser. This week she has shared the first single from the record, “Christina’s World”.
Shuffling on a minimal syncopated beat over which electronic organ chords are draped, “Christina’s World” places us in a slovenly state, feeling like we’re slowly melting as we listen. Midwife’s voice is condensed as she drifts through this piece like a mild breeze, unsure and unmoored. In the chorus she harmonises with Dan Barrett (Have A Nice Life), and together they simply request “show me the way,” as more layers of piano and guitar quietly curdle all around. A song that moves in minute circles that subtly lull us into a trance, “Christina’s World” is a wizardly example of the liminal spaces and uncertain areas that Midwife has made her own.
Midwife’s new album Luminol is out on July 16 via The Flenser (pre-order). You can find her on Facebook and Instagram.
