Maida Rose's debut single "Harmony of Heartache" holds you tight

Tucked away in Javièr den Leeuw's childhood, he and his musical partner Roos Meijer created a dream pop home. Across the Dutch city of Hague, melancholic melodies and ethereal soundscapes floated from this attic as the duo formed Maida Rose.

Now, after a harsh 2020 and in the middle of a cold, dark winter, Maida Rose offer a reprieve. Their debut single, "Harmony of Heartache", comforts a loved one battling depression.

The muted opening and slowly building heartbeat-esque drum set the stage for Roos' consoling tones. As the first verse ends, a hesitating moment of silence signals the first shift in tone. Moving away from the near-lullaby sounds, her breathy alto rocks between comfort and counsel. Concern floods every line.

Each musical layer embraces the harmony, weaving in like a group hug. Synths, drums, bass, guitar—each glue a new level of support while adding harmonic nuance.

Even when the harmony lingers on a major key, it's a puffy-eyed smile—the tears have stopped and, while it's not better, it'll be okay. Because, as Roos sings, "the loneliness will fade."

Stream "Harmony of Heartache" below.

Ben McCoy

Ben is an advertising Madman who spends his days with words and music. When he's not writing for his supper, he's eating it at some of NYC's most interesting restaurants.