Madame Daley, Pin-Up Boy Review

by Eliana Fermi

Building a musical space where authenticity and flair emerge is Madame Daley. Her latest single, “Pin-Up Boy,” released on December 20, 2024, channels equal parts swagger and substance, draped in vintage glamour with a modern bite. Known as the self-proclaimed ringleader of the rock ‘n’ roll circus, Madame Daley brings her Southern charm, Brooklyn grit, and glam rock overtones into an intoxicating blend that turns every listening session into a full-scale spectacle of engaging sounds.

Madame Daley isn’t just a persona; she’s a movement. The brainchild of instrumentalist and vocalist Madison Daley, this project weaves together musical threads of Daley’s Starchild Band, an all-woman and LGBTQ+ ensemble, to establish an identifiable sound on NYC stages with performances that feel as rebellious as they are celebratory. With a shared ethos of inclusion and empowerment, the band’s ethos is clear: drink, dance, and revel in the music.

In Madame Daley’s words, “Pin-Up Boy” is a tongue-in-cheek critique of the so-called “indie f boys”—men who masquerade as enlightened and sensitive while peddling the same outdated, patriarchal attitudes under a new facade. Her sharp lyrics pull no punches, delivering a tale as entertaining as it is relevant. But Daley isn’t aiming for cynicism; instead, she invites listeners to laugh along with her at the absurdity.

From the first measure, “Pin-Up Boy” radiates a captivating groove. The medium shuffle rhythm kicks off with a bluesy bassline, a steady hi-hat shimmer, and a guitar part that fuses rock, blues, and honky-tonk flair. Daley’s entrance is her magnetic calling card—her lower-register delivery exudes warmth and confidence, drawing the listener in with an intimate, almost conspiratorial tone.

The verse flows in a clear building manner into the chorus, where sustained organ chords lend a sense of grandeur to the arrangement. Daley’s voice rises, supported by dynamic instrument parts that add depth and texture. The second pass through the form builds with subtle instrumental flourishes: the guitar fills are bolder, the drum fills more intricate, and the organ’s chords expand in resonance.

Then comes the moment of reckoning: the guitar solo. It blazes across the track with a vintage edge, nodding to glam rock icons while retaining a fresh, raw energy. But the real highlight follows immediately after—Daley’s vocals ascend to a powerful head voice, rich with grit and emotion. Her growl adds a visceral punch, reinforcing the song’s defiant tone.

The lyrics of “Pin-Up Boy” oscillate between satire and celebration, exposing the gap between performative wokeness and genuine emotional maturity. Daley’s ability to craft lyrics that resonate on both a personal and cultural level adds to her allure. Lines like “You think you’re sly, but you’re not” balance playful jabs with biting honesty, making listeners feel both empowered and in on the joke.

“Pin-Up Boy” lands at a time when listeners are craving authenticity and representation. By calling out the hypocrisy she’s witnessed while infusing her critique with humor and heart, Madame Daley taps into a broader cultural conversation about gender dynamics and performative allyship. Moreover, her all-woman, queer-inclusive band reinforces the track’s message through action, not just words.

“Pin-Up Boy” is a sound space where Madame Daley’s ability to blend theatricality with sincerity is in focus. The track is as much an anthem as a story, carried by a voice that keeps your attention and instrument parts that spark joy. With its infectious shuffle, powerhouse vocals, and sharp lyrical wit, “Pin-Up Boy” invites listeners to revel in the Madame Daley experience. That’s the short of it!

Connect with Madame Daley: Website |