Dutch songwriter Nevin has a growing reputation and a new, brooding EP. She writes that ‘Grand Parade’ is about the regret of her younger self’s naivety, and that during the making of the record, it turned from heartbreak to liberation.
‘Feel’ – The seemingly sparse arrangement is actually full of detail. A wide, spacious sound lets the melody breathe, and Nevin’s pure vocal floats through the track, adding a ghostly presence which reminded me of the best ethereal Gaelic music. Strange sounds creep in – unnoticed at first – a marching drum only appearing in the final few bars. It’s a classy opener.
‘Common Sense’ – A bubbly bass and a bit more of a pop sensibility as the vocal melody plays out – low at first, then soaring. There’s a solid, driving energy and Nevin’s impassioned cries grow in intensity by the end.
‘Growth Machine’ – There is a wonderful change in vocal tone during this song. Dark, smoky, brooding at first, then sharp and clear. The distorted hook that appears here and there is so simple, but so incredibly catchy and memorable. The heartbreaking pause when Nevin sings “how could I?” is so effective and arresting. For me, though, the best moments come later in the song – that amazing, distorted hook! It’s so worth the wait – like some immense creature calling from the depths of the ocean. I love this song.
‘Grand Parade’ – I got some cool ’80s throwback vibes from the EP’s title track. The clean beat, those synth sounds and the stunning, minimalistic guitar melodies felt as though Fleetwood Mac and Talk Talk had been fused together. Every new sound increased the nostalgia for me, and as Nevin delivered another engaging and evocative performance, I didn’t want it to end. But after an immense build-up and a huge, mind-bending crescendo – it’s all over.
Throughout ‘Grande Parade’, Nevin effortlessly turns softness into strength and vulnerability into power. It’s the perfect showcase for her vocal and songwriting talents.
If you would like to read more, we wrote about a couple of these songs previously here.
Written by Grubby
