New Zealand singer-songwriter, musician, and visual artist Delaney Davidson's next studio album, 'Out Of My Head' (his tenth), finds the artist pondering his own creative shift from a life touring the road to a world surrounded by his own backyard.
An accomplished musician and producer – four-time winner of NZ Country Music Song of the Year Award, awarded NZ Country Music Album Of The Year, finalist for the coveted NZ APRA Silver Scroll Award – Davidson has collaborated with co-producer Mark Perkins as well as guest appearances from Marlon Williams ('Drive Me Wild') and Reb Fountain ('Heaven Is Falling') on 'Out Of My Head'.However, the album's first instalment is 'Don't Walk Away From Love'. Art rock aesthetics married to an alt. country charm, Delaney has crafted a delightfully emotive burner that wraps itself around your senses like an eager cat in need of face hugs.
A repetitive, almost feverish, siren-like organ details the opening moments of 'Don't Walk Away From Love' as Delaney's rich, velvety, yet ashen, aching vocals implore the pursuit of love – as genuine ache and sincere hope radiant intensely.
When the piercing guitar licks and strings harmonise in a sonic beauty that enriches the soul with an ancient warmth, Davidson has captured you inside the essence of forlorn trust: "If you don't stay, you'll walk away / Do you really think you could find another way."
The rhythm section slides along smoothly adding a smooth, if unvarnished texture to the soundscape, the rhythm guitar twinkling away adding a coat of lustre.
Released today, scenestr is stoked to premiere the music video for 'Don't Walk Away From Love'. Enjoy.
"'Don't Walk Away From Love', an anthem written to anyone on the brink or wondering, is based on advice I heard decades ago from a fairy in a David Lynch film," Delaney says.
"Originally this was intended as a song called 'Walk Away From Love', however it somehow felt stuck.
"I relented on the title and pivoted, the whole mood changed and the song flowed from there. It was also going to be the album's title track. Still might make a t-shirt."
With 'Out Of My Head' slated to be released next March, Davidson plans to head across the Tasman Sea for live shows.
"I am looking forward to touring in Australia again – Melbourne shows about to be announced in January, at George Lane, Merri Creek and Archies Creek – check www.delaneydavidson.com for upcoming show details."
'Out Of My Head' will be released 22 March, 2024.
