SINGLE REVIEW: DANNI NICHOLLS - THE WRECKAGE

Anyone familiar with the career of Danni Nicholls will know that presupposing that you'll know what her next album will sound like, by listening to its predecessor is a dangerous game. Her ability to change course can at times seem maddening, yet, more often than not, it has proved to be an absolute triumph. With her new single "The Wreckage", the sound seems to be her most commercial yet.

Just the opening introductory 30 seconds or so are brim full of sonic ideas - the opening electronica floating from speaker to speaker, the sound of a train, a strong acoustic guitar line and an almost ominous piano sound, slowly being picked out note by note, all go to create a definite dramatic atmosphere and with a title like "The Wreckage", surely more drama is set to follow.

The opening verse is Danni lyrically teasing the listener, she is leading us towards assuming there has been some sort of car crash, which of course would tie in neatly with the title.

"How did I get here?

I didn’t see it coming

Now warning bells are wailing all around

I was going too fast, didn’t think to brake

Couldn’t decide which turn to take

Now I’m lying down here on the ground"

There's a sense confusion in the lyrics, as if in the moments following an accident yet there is a self assured quality in Danni's delivery. #TEAMw21 seems to remember this being premiered in the UK at The Green Note and the opening line may well be referring to the aftermath of Danni's move to the US which happened relatively suddenly.

The chorus continues to play with our expectations, with reference to an out of body experience. Sound wise the piano being picked out remains a common theme keeping the drama levels high.

"I rise above the wreckage

Hover in the space between

The end and the beginning

Do I lose myself?

Or do I chose to come back

To me?"

It is only as the second verse begins that this is revealed to have been a metaphor. The second verse refers to an impetuousness to dive right in as regards to affairs of the heart, an endearing quality for sure when things go well, a recipe for heartbreak if they don't.

"My love is a fire

It burns without knowing

That even the wildest flames can be quelled

It’s a virtue, it’s a sin

I can’t resist I want to jump right in

The fire knows me well"

The second visit to the chorus sees as full on a band backing as we can recall on a Danni record, the drums, piano and guitars combining to make a strong foundation.

The final verse displays a certain indomitable spirit, as Danni's journey in all senses sees her moving forward.

"Knowing the road I’m on

It won’t be blocked for long

Clear the way make some space

I gotta journey on

I gotta journey on"

This is just the opening salvo of what promises to be the next enthralling chapter in Danni's career