Setting the tone with a stripped-back electric guitar soundscape, Passing Grade open Madrid with vulnerability and the lyrics, “I know that I know nothing, but I’ve got to tell them something, I think I’ll spend the summer in Madrid…”
The opus expands into a dimensional rock soundscape with instrumental mastery and intricate riffs. We appreciate the journey that Passing Grade are taking us on, as they channel dreams of European escape, even if it might be just as a conversation filler.
The visual nature of the track is sublime, and we connect with the cinematic vibes that feel like a 90s/2000s movie. There is no doubt that Madrid would be perfect in a film like L’Auberge Espagnole, Influencer, or perhaps The People We Meet on Vacation. It would also be great for a season of The White Lotus that is set in Spain.
There is a timeless garage-rock energy that evokes nostalgia, and we love the high emotional quotient and deep rooted authenticity that manifests. The guitar solo halfway through the track is transcendental leading us to another brief chorus and psychedelic passage, before an instrumental segue with an anthemic finale.
As for the message of the song, it’s essentially about impostor syndrome and the awkwardness of not fitting in. The song captures the feeling of thinking of the perfect comeback too late, tapping into themes of embarrassment and insecurity.
It’s hugely relatable, especially in a cost of living crisis and coupled with the fact that so many of us have misaligned interactions in society, when we really want to show our best selves and the dreams that we truly have.
We love what Passing Grade have created with Madrid, and have added the song to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the band’s wider discography, including The Efforts, and Melba.