Track of the Day: S J Denney – The Sticking Point
Influenced by the likes of Paul Weller and The Beatles, singer-songwriter S J Denney’s sound is intimate, jovial and moving. Based in the UK – Essex to be exact – Denney uses personal experiences as inspiration for his songs engaging with audiences on all levels. Featured on several online radio stations, multi-instrumentalist Denney is building a strong presence on an international scale. The latest addition to his repertoire is the single ‘The Sticking Point’.
Self-produced at his home studio, also known as the cabin at the end of his garden, ‘The Sticking Point’ is one of the many DIY-created singles written during the Covid-19 pandemic. Showcasing his multi-instrumentalist side, except for the sitar, Denney merges dynamic guitars, percussion and drums.
A melting point of elements, the well-layered track introduces us to diverse sounds placed together to form an eclectic melody. What I find compelling is how each instrument has a prominent role without any real leading element, but the haphazardness unites in a soothing whole. I have no comparisons for the melody as it is completely inexplicable in its innovativeness. What I can say is the harmonies between elements that might not suit each other is soul-stirring.
Moving from the folk-rock sound of his previous work, ‘The Sticking Point’ is breaking boundaries with its genre-defying style. A “deeply personal” track, ‘The Sticking Point’ is an introspective and reflective single with lingering nostalgia. Yet, while there is a melancholic aspect to the single, Denney adds a sense of optimism to ensure he “learns from the mistakes of some of those closest to me”.
Executing the poetic lyricism elegantly, S J Denney showcases his vulnerability as a human being. Aligning with this theme is the bewildering melody acting as a sonic representation of bewilderment and complex thoughts. Highly innovative, ‘The Sticking Point’ is a kaleidoscopic soundscape easily stirring one’s soul and leaving you blinded by its awesomeness.
For more from S J Denney check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
