14 Nov 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Danica Bryant - EP Review: Ego Death

18 Aug 2022 // A review by madeleinehoward

Hawkes Bay songstress Danica Bryant is back with her sophomore EP Ego Death, released to the world on August 19th.

Following on from her 2020 debut EP Cider, Bryant has continued to enjoy success with a string of singles, including sugary pop tune Heart Eyes and head-banging Ready To Bite. Her latest release Ego Death, cements her as one of the most unique and exciting voices in the Aotearoa music industry.

I had the pleasure of reviewing Heart Eyes when it dropped in June last year and was thoroughly impressed with Bryant's knack for writing incredibly catchy hooks coupled with memorable lyrics. Ego Death left me further impressed, but surprised that she has chosen not to include Heart Eyes and Ready To Bite on this collection of songs, both stand out tracks in my opinion. Instead, Ego Death features singles Crush and Tunnel of Love, both released in July this year, plus four new tracks, including new single Hang On Over. Despite my initial disappointment, Ego Death still delivers with an exciting collection of alt-pop tracks.

Ego Death begins with Pipe Dream, and immediately I am transported back to the early 2000's, with Bryant's twangy vocals reminiscent of pop artists such as Michelle Branch, Stacie Orrico and Jewel. The chorus is dreamy and soaring, showing off Bryant's upper register. The track is driven by percussion which drops in and out during the verses and chorus, pushing the track along nicely and creating interest. Pipe Dream is a strong introduction to the EP.

Second track Counting Clover is more country infused than its predecessor and might be my favourite track. Nostalgic and uplifting, I imagine blasting this tune in the car with the windows down on a hot Summer's day, on my way to the beach with my girlfriends.

Next is Tunnel of Love, a pop rock tune that packs a punch. A return to the distorted, grunchy guitars of her earlier tracks, Tunnel of Love shows off Bryant's skills of writing catchy, radio friendly tunes.

The fourth track is something completely different. Consisting of stripped back electric guitar and slurred vocals, White Knuckles is filled with attitude. A shift from the typical pop form of previous tracks, White Knuckles is the perfect track in the middle of Ego Death that the listener needs to break up the constant driving pop of the other tracks.

Lead single Crush is next, and while the title made me think it would be another typical love song, this track is about anything but. Instead, Crush speaks of literally crushing that arrogant, attention seeking man that we all know and love to hate. Perhaps Crush is the next feminist anthem that we didn't know we needed.

Closing track and new single Hang On Over may have the best chorus. Reminiscent of Taylor Swift sing-alongs, Hang On Over is cathartic and the best way to finish this EP.

It’s clear Bryant has been working hard to establish her artistry and refine her craft. While a noticeable step up from her debut, Bryant stays true to her roots with her thoughtful songwriting. Ego Death is cohesive, consisting of tracks that work well together and yet stand out on their own.

Danica Bryant will support the release of Ego Death with her first ever New Zealand Tour, starting in Wellington on the 31st of August and finishing in Christchurch on the 22nd of September. A promising young artist who is unlike anybody else on the radio right now, you'd be mad to miss out.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Danica Bryant

“Deliciously sweet yet shockingly bitter” (Under The Radar), Danica Bryant is no ordinary songwriter. A pop-folk musician with a gritty rock edge, her songs sink their teeth into intense topics from celebrity culture and mental health, to gender dynamics and body possession. “All hard guitar and pain-filled howl” (The Hook NZ), this woman bites back.

Bryant’s career boasts national accolades from Smokefree Rockquest and Play It Strange, mentorship with Kiwi legend Bic Runga, and a support slot for Elton John on his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour. Her 2020 debut EP Cider landed her a placement in APRA’s prestigious Songhubs course, whilst follow-up singles Heart Eyes and Ready to Bite saw her introduction to the NZ Hot Singles Chart.

With her 2022 sophomore EP Ego Death, Danica Bryant delivers bombastic pop production with lyrical force and an attitude like no other. “Venomous” yet “passionate” (Ambient Light), “cynical but emotional” (NZ Musician), it is clear Danica Bryant’s inventive sound, personal lyrics, and rich vocals make her a treat for every season.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Danica Bryant

Releases

Ego Death
Year: 2022
Type: EP
Cider
Year: 2020
Type: EP

Other Reviews By madeleinehoward

Steffany Beck - EP Review: Pillars
11 Apr 2024 // by madeleinehoward
Otautahi based country pop singer-songwriter Steffany Beck is back with her EP Pillars, out today, 12th April, 2024. Her latest body of work since 2019’s Blue Eyed Girl, Beck has spent the last few years working hard, honing her craft and making waves in the Christchurch music scene.
Read More...
Speech Act Theory - EP Review: Speech Act Theory
18 Oct 2023 // by madeleinehoward
Auckland based alt-electronica project Speech Act Theory released their debut self-titled EP on the 29th of September. Founded in 2019, Speech Act Theory is the brain child of multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Pete Hickman.
Read More...
James Constable - Album Review: Interesting Times
20 Jul 2023 // by madeleinehoward
Otautahi indie singer-songwriter James Constable released his second album Interesting Times on the 16th of June. This ten track album follows on from the 19 years old’s debut Tui, which I had the pleasure of reviewing when it was released in 2021.
Read More...
Citris iNK - Single Review: Last Night Replay
27 Jun 2023 // by madeleinehoward
RnB, Neo-soul duo Citris iNK released their second single Last Night Replay on the 9th of June.The duo comprises of Auckland born multi-instrumentalist Nick Taylor and South African singer-songwriter Kristin Paulse.
Read More...
The Flow Collective - Single Review: Final Whistle
25 May 2023 // by madeleinehoward
Whanganui based band The Flow Collective launch their latest single Final Whistle today, Friday 26th May. The group released their debut album Flow last year, a collection of compositions by lead vocalist and pianist Elizabeth de Vegt, with lyrics taken from the poems of Airini Beautrais' collection Flow: Whanganui River Poems.
Read More...
Phoebe Vic - EP Review: Strange Rituals
05 May 2023 // by madeleinehoward
Otautahi pop artist Phoebe Vic launches her EP Strange Rituals today, 5th May. The follow up project to her 2015 EP Hunter, Strange Rituals sees Phoebe Vic come into her own with a quartet of highly polished electro pop tunes.
Read More...
tei. - Single Review: Primal
02 May 2023 // by madeleinehoward
Tamaki Makaurau alternative RnB artist tei. released her new single Primal on the 21st of April.
Read More...
Valere - Single/Video Review: Stuck In My Head
29 Mar 2023 // by madeleinehoward
Otautahi bedroom pop artist Valere released her latest single Stuck in My Head on the 16th of March.An International Songwriting Competition semi-finalist and APRA Songhubs Sphere alum, Valere's debut album Colours, released in 2020, gained her air play on ZM, Base FM and Spotify playlists such as The Local List NZ.
Read More...
View All Articles By madeleinehoward

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem