If you’re looking for your next “volume-up, windows-down” anthem, look no further than Mary Middlefield’s latest release. “Wake Up!” is a high-octane track that manages to hijack your playlist from the very first note, offering a masterclass in sonic contrast by blending the sugary rush of indie pop with the raw, jagged edges of pop-punk.
The first thing that hits you is the sheer authority of the production. Middlefield’s vocals are nothing short of a revelation; she possesses a commanding, crystalline power that immediately evokes a modern-day Annie Lennox. However, instead of leaning into 80s synths, she is backed by crunchy, overdriven guitars that feel like a spiritual nod to the best of the early 2000s alternative scene. It is polished enough for mainstream rotation but carries enough “dirt” under its fingernails to satisfy the most discerning indie crowds.
While the melody is undeniably infectious, the lyrics carry a surprising, heavy-hitting weight. There is a distinct early Alanis Morissette energy woven throughout the track—that specific brand of articulate, unapologetic angst that feels both nostalgic and at the same time, fresh. Middlefield isn’t just singing; she is venting with a sharp-witted precision that makes every line land like a punch.
The song reaches its true emotional peak during the bridge, where Middlefield really gets into the meat of the songwriting. The instrumentation shifts to let her message breathe as she expresses a raw, desperate need for personal space. It’s a vulnerable moment that sets up a massive payoff, transforming the track into a relentless, driving anthem. Ultimately, “Wake Up!” is built for communal catharsis—the kind of chant-along song you scream at the top of your lungs while rocking out with your friends.
Written by Zander Schaus
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