S J Denney – A Silent Scream (2022)
Since we first heard him in ‘Unsung Hero’, S J Denney is an artist that has kept us listening and loving each new release. ‘A Silent Scream’ is just the latest as he delves into people who seem to be happy but are quietly burning inside. Considering how desperation can be hidden behind a mask of happiness, he brings an interesting mix of instrumentation and production to the track.
Drawing on a youth spent playing the clarinet, he adds a woodwind section to the single which meets a piano accordion, to create an interesting sound. Singing into a megaphone tops off the unique production of a single that is sure to get you thinking about the deeper message woven into the engaging listening experience. With each new release, Denney showcases a new aspect of his musicality and has you eager to dive into his back catalogue while waiting for more.
Denney’s vocals open ‘A Silent Scream’ with his usual smooth flow that instantly hooks you. His performance has a fantastic storytelling quality that gets you invested in the tale of the lyrics from the first moment. While smooth and engaging, the lyrics tell a sad story that really tugs at your heartstrings. You can feel a ball lodging itself in your chest as you listen to the struggles detailed in the lyrics. The emotions of the single are taken to new heights by his performance which is packed with a weary melancholy. It is like he has accepted the depression and desperation of his life and doesn’t expect it to change anytime soon. Woven into this is an acknowledgement of how the sadness is hidden from others, but continues to eat at your soul. It is a really touching, yet profoundly sad, single that squeezes your heart as you listen.
The emotive power of the vocals is increased by the nuanced and slightly understated melody. The guitar is plucked with a melancholic edge as the drums shuffle morosely. There is a forward motion to the music, but this is more of a weary walk with heavy feet. Each aspect of the melody has been perfectly crafted to add to the emotion of the single. The woodwind section of the melody is a wonderful inclusion that adds a feeling of trying to smile but not being able to find the energy for it. There are times when the music has a bright whistle to it, but instead of lightening the feeling of the single, it only serves to heighten the sadness.
Through the melancholic notes of ‘A Silent Scream’, S J Denney tugs at your emotions while shining the light on a deeper message of hidden sadness. Every note of the single has been perfectly curated to bring a weary and morose feeling to the centre of your chest. The lyrics continue his fantastic storytelling style while his vocals weave poignant emotions into the soundscape.
Find out more about S J Denney on his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
