Album Review: Anxious Heart

Straight off the bat, we have that gated reverb sound on the drum track; that punchy percussive character that has been synonymous with that of the pop and rock music of the 1980’s, and has recently started reintegrating itself into pop music again. In this case, you get that nostalgia hit due to the reminiscence with Kenny Loggin’s 1984 hit, Footloose.

80’s music in itself has held wide appeal for a variety of reasons; greater emphasis on songwriting, the first proper integration of the electronic element (with synthesizers and sequencers), and movement away from the record companies which allowed greater freedoms with the musical content. All done with a quick cheerful pace.

Daniel McClelland has put forward a debut album that is the epitome of all of these factors that made 80’s music successful and put his own spin on it. Anxious Heart is unapologetic in its forthrightness; you won’t find a generic, by-the-numbers, formulaic track on the album. McClelland’s vocal style comes across like that of Marilyn Manson or the White Stripe’s Jack White and is similarly adventurous in singing style; ranging from soothing lullabies to a fast-paced frenzy.

Despite the simple beat and cheerfully fast tempo, throughout many of the tracks, there is a melancholy to them.A purposeful dissonance that can catch you off guard. Be prepared for the unexpected. McClelland combines musical genres and follows no rules. Anything goes, and it works. A delightful reminder of how music should be made.

Review written by Alex Moulton