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Discography
Zoebliss: Zoebliss 13April - 1998
This was the band’s debut album and was dedicated to Féla Kuti who was a human rights activist in Nigeria and was known as somewhat of a political maverick. The songs are mainly trip hop combined with folk influences that blend in great with the sweet voice of Brenley MacEachern. Listening to the songs one is not sure whether to console her or devour her. The album was a great success that quickly attracted the attention of all the major record labels.
Zoebliss: For the Beauty of Ruins – 1999
This was the last album the band recorded as Zoebliss, later that year the band would split up and continue as Madison Violet. For The Beauty of Ruins is the result of a partnership between singer/songwriter Brenley MacEchern and bassist Adrian Lawryshyn, where MacEchern brings in her background in folk while complimented by Lawryshyn's rhythmic background which resulted in a decent, but not excellent, album. It certainly isn't music one can dance to, and it is for the most part a slow pace, which creates a meditative atmosphere only breached on occasion by Michael Rockwood's electric guitar. The songs are at their best when MacEachern's strong vocals are used to do what they do best, which leads to strong heartfelt lyrics, and it is her input that lifts up the 11 songs and keeps them interesting. On occasion the tracks resemble Portishead but the band truly shines when moving away from influences like these.
Madison Violet: Worry the Jury – 2004
Worry the Jury was the first official album the band released after a 7 track EP in 2002 under the name Madviolet and named the same. After the change to Madison Violet the duo came up with ‘Worry the Jury’. The title of the album was meant to expose the judgmental nature of society, which resulted in country like songs with folk influences that are semi-political. Great harmonica melodies put the songs right up there with the likes of Allison Krauss and Sugarland. Basically the songs are about narrow-mindedness and specifically in small towns. Songs like "Laura lee" have clear influences from artists like Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. The lyrics are filled with country themes and the music is generally uplifting and upbeat.
Madison Violet: Caravan – 2006
Caravan has more of an alternative country sound to the songs than its predecessor Worry the Jury and is more in line with artists like Lucinda Williams and Loretta Lynn. While the country influences are still present the songs appear more modern and with uplifting themes about travelling, the duo delivered a solid album with a sound showing how they have matured. One of the highlights of the album is the ballad ‘I am an only’. Caravan is the logical step in the evolution of Madison Violet. Caravan also was the album responsible for their breakthrough in Europe in 2008.
Madison Violet: No Fool for Trying – 2009
With No Fool for Trying, MacEachern and MacIsaac deliver an excellent album where they go back to their roots. Though still a blend between country and folk, but both have been stripped and brought back to their basic raw nature in which there is less guitar and more fiddles and mandolins. The songs take the listener on a trip through well written lyrics and accompanying melodies, and though a lot more somber then their previous albums the music is better for it. No Fool for Trying shows us a more mature Madison Violet which is wiser and more balanced.
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