Gartland's voice stands alone aside from some empty echoes from pizzicato strings. Abruptly the track collapses into itself. The guitar texture morphs into shoegaze that reminds me of the first time I ventured to a living room full of amps, kids and beer. Next, gentle rhythm math rock guitars layer in, reminding me of the Tessa Violet concert I brought my dad to, where he had so much fun he bought a pin to remember it. The track opens with ethereal harmonies that remind me of the Grouper album that my friend recommended, which I listened to until I understood why he likes it. 'Pretending' held up a mirror with a question mark, and it utterly gripped me.

However, the person sitting at the center of them all, fluidly weaving them together, is an absolute mystery to me. As long as I can remember, I’ve co-existed in a virtually infinite number of spheres - some organic and others forced. I know there’s a dozen facets I could lean into or out of at any given time, almost comfortably. I’ve never bothered to tease out who I am that it feels so uncomfortable to peel back all the layers and expose.

I’ve asked why I’m afraid, I’ve asked how not to be. For me, the line that hit hardest was the final question of the chorus, “Who are you so afraid to be?” It spoke to me for the very simple reason that it’s a question I’ve never thought to ask. Or it might be the hook, begging you to admit that you’re pretending too. It might be the disconnect between the face you paint on to catch in a mirror from the one you know best. It might be the closing introverted plea to go home after spending too long at a house party you don’t wanna be at. There are a dozen reasons Orla Gartland’s 'Pretending' might resonate with you. For a song about heartbreak and love lost, it maintains a positivity that you wouldn’t expect, but the chorus’s final line sheds some light, recognizing, “There’s some good in goodbye.” And as a layered guitar solo concludes the journey, we’re thankful we don’t have to say goodbye, with Madeline’s EP slated for an early 2021 release. While the verses explore specific and intimate moments, the chorus is a chance to reflect and share wisdom along with a stellar catchy melody. Her confidence comes through in her steady delivery, the vocals staying true even as synths pop in and out across the song, leading us to the chorus. In beautiful, stark contrast to the wobbling synth on the fringes of the verse, Madeline’s voice showcases her power and control. Madeline manages to perfectly incorporate these colder, almost spacey sounds with a personal and emotional vocal performance. It’s a song that fits beautifully into, yet sticks out amongst, the current pop landscape, with intimate storytelling draped over relentless production. Madeline’s debut single, 'Guilty Conscience,' brings an empowering fondness and appreciation for a relationship that has come to an end.

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