Daniel Isaiah - “Brock Avenue”
Montreal-based Daniel Isaiah has just released the beautiful indie folk song, “Brock Avenue,” a tune that takes us on a journey through nostalgia and loss.
“Brock Avenue” is gorgeously intimate and reflective. This feeling permeates from the piano tones that act as the track’s backbone. They have a lush, resonating warmth whilst exuding a distant quality. The song is gently pushed forward by drums as a rich bass underlines the emotional weight present in the arrangement. Acoustic guitar is also present, subtly introducing a hint of texture and satisfyingly enhancing the groove.
The stand out instrument, for me, is the strikingly expressive lead electric guitar. The subtle but bluesy licks are exquisitely placed to flesh out the track’s melody while providing splashes of ear candy. At the song’s finale, we are treated to a really soulful and melodic solo.
Daniel Isaiah’s vocals on “Brock Avenue” are simply stunning. The performance imbues a warm and emotional depth as we are guided through the track’s lyrical narrative. The expressive but smooth tones remind me of Paul Simon.
The song was inspired by an encounter in his childhood neighbourhood where an old neighbour hugged him in condolence of his mother’s passing. “The song seems to embrace all of my childhood. All of my love and loss,” says the artist. Tinged in melancholy, “Brock Avenue” takes the listener on a nostalgic and heartfelt journey. This song is a true gem of indie folk.