At moments when poetry, melancholy, and experience merge into one collection of tracks, a great wonder is born. In her expansive new album “River Water,” talented songwriter, musician, and author Kimberley Castlemain, known as Kimmy MacQ, has crafted a world of memories and lived experiences. I admire how through the lightness and haziness of chords, Kimmy MacQ unveils her most intimate thoughts. It’s one of the most pivotal aspects. It’s as if her songs are meant to fill the void left by unspoken words. Know that this is the kind of music that touches the soul, awakening those feelings we often prefer to keep silent about.

photo by @kimmy.macq

Kimmy MacQ possesses a unique gift — speaking to the audience in the language of lyrics, leaving space between the lines that each listener fills with their own experiences. This is her talent: creating universal yet deeply personal works that feel both familiar and new at the same time. Sometimes, there are albums that seem to stop time, gently wrapping us in a blanket of emotions and memories. Kimmy MacQ’s latest release “River Water” is one of those rare gems. Each track unfolds like a letter from an old friend, arriving just when you need it most. With her soulful voice and poignant lyrics, Kimmy knows exactly what she wants to convey—and she does it beautifully.

Kimmy MacQ’s album, with its rich, deep tones and effortlessly soulful delivery, is exactly that. Every note seems to resonate with a part of our lives, reminding us of past loves, whispered dreams, and quiet evenings spent in reflection. With each track, a different aspect of our emotions is explored, from longing to contentment, all wrapped up in melodies that linger long after they’ve ended. It’s amazing how music can turn ordinary moments into scenes from a movie, where you’re both the audience and the protagonist.

Gentle keys and misty pads open the release with the track “Bad Place.” Kimmy’s light voice creates an atmosphere of total immersion in the sound, while the almost epic arrangement with bright bursts of melody hints that more mesmerizing moments are ahead. In “You Can Rest Now,” MacQ’s voice becomes stronger, with gentle backing vocals highlighting the richness of the sound. Here, a barrier is broken, completely erasing the distance between the singer and her thoughts. As if possessing a special intuition, “You Can Rest Now” becomes an anthem of melancholy and the most personal moments.

photo by @hollysh00ts

The mood shifts, and around the middle of the release, with “River Water,” a hypnotic sensation sets in. The lush arrangement evokes endless space or a deep underwater dive. Undoubtedly, this is one of the standout tracks. Vivid vocal hooks and intricate lines emphasize professionalism and a sense of new sound. Kimmy MacQ isn’t afraid to experiment with harmonies and sounds, blending different genres from dream pop to vibrant dance beats. I love how the singer’s music always contains two facets: fire and ice, strength and weakness. Doesn’t this reflect the human soul and lived experiences? Listening to the Kimmy MacQ’s music brings the thought that accepting oneself with all feelings and thoughts is the only way to live in harmony with oneself.

“Hell on Earth,” is imbued with incredible pain, tenderness, and love, making it the most touching. A perfect track with lush harmonies, light keys, and slightly distorted sound creates an intimate atmosphere that is deeply captivating. It’s as if the message in this song is a promise to always be okay. Cinematic, aesthetic, light, and gentle. The final track, “The Ruse,” offers yet another new sound with its expansive vocal line, where the singer’s voices blend into one while each carries a distinct emotion. This lyrical technique sets a high bar for future releases. Time seems to stop when you’re alone with the singer’s voice and the guitar. “The Ruse” is one of the strongest tracks on the album, showcasing a more lyrical side of Kimmy MacQ, enhanced by a touch of distorted synth sound. Impeccable!

Every time you listen to this record, the world around you seems to slow down. All that remains are you, the music, and a continuous stream of thoughts. Kimmy MacQ complements her universe with excellent visual accompaniments, pairing each track with original cover art. All the covers are created by the singer, each containing a mystery and a clue to deciphering the lyrics. This adds new layers of meaning to the entire “River Water” album, making it more of a work of art that you want to explore, unravel, and feel.