Where the Wild Things Wither: Max Madly's Garden of Neglect

Meet the genre-defying musician bringing an affection for horror to her haunting debut album

By: The Lace Ledger Staff

A guitar riff creeps in like an ominous apparition. Somewhere in the distance, a voice rises, beautiful... and vaguely threatening. The atmosphere grows heavier, and before long, the haunting melody begins to sound like a warning.

Enter the symphonic garden of Max Madly, where flora, fauna and decay make for intimate companions. Over a decade of classical training meets a rebellious affection for punk in her distinctive take on alternative rock, with compositions that wouldn't sound out of place in a horror film.

Madly's debut studio album, Garden of Neglect, arrived October 2, inviting listeners into a strange musical landscape where life flourishes alongside the rot. “Bones of Ours” is a personal favourite, its magnetic intensity making it difficult to resist another listen.

We had the pleasure of stepping into Max's studio to explore the influences behind her music and discover where her imagination might wander beyond the garden gate.