Brighton’s grunge-pop solo artist Girl Apocrypha returns with her latest single ‘MADONNA’, a bold and unruly follow-up to her debut release ‘Dealer’.
Where her first track introduced a more introspective and brooding tone, ‘MADONNA’ pushes further into contrast, pairing alt-rock grit with playful, electronic flourishes and a vocal that shifts between sharp spoken-word delivery and a soaring, melodic chorus. The result is a track that feels both abrasive and accessible, balancing underground edge with a clear pop instinct.
Produced by Jag Jago (whose credits include The Maccabees, Cassyette and Jamie T) the single leans into this tension. Synth-led verses, built on lo-fi textures and rhythmic vocal phrasing, gradually give way to an explosive chorus driven by distorted guitars, offering a cathartic release that feels expansive and immediate.
Sonically, ‘MADONNA’ draws from a wide spectrum of influences. The darker tones echo elements of Interpol, Placeboand Nine Inch Nails, while its sense of theatricality and pop ambition channels artists like Lady Gaga, Grimes and The Dare. The track ultimately settles into a distinctive middle ground—where grunge textures collide with synth-pop sheen.
Speaking about the track, Girl Apocrypha describes it as one of her most uninhibited creations:
“MADONNA is probably one of the stupidest songs I have ever written and for that reason, it’s also one of my favourites. It’s obnoxious, camp, and such a celebration of the pop music that I grew up listening to and still love.”
Written during the same period as ‘Dealer’, the track emerged from a difficult personal moment, offering a temporary escape into something brighter and more playful. “I did genuinely wake up from a strange dream about, well, everything I describe in MADONNA… for a few hours I was able to escape my real life and just indulge in this fun, shiny world… To me, that’s what pop music is all about.”
That push-and-pull between darkness and escapism sits at the core of Girl Apocrypha’s identity. It’s a project unafraid to embrace contradiction, raw but polished, tongue-in-cheek yet emotionally grounded.
Following a striking live debut supporting Paige Kennedy in Brighton, Girl Apocrypha is continuing to build momentum as a fresh voice in the UK’s indie and alt-rock landscape. With ‘MADONNA’, she sharpens her sound further—leaning into chaos, camp and catharsis in equal measure.
