We Speak Music

DD Allen Set to Captivate with Poignant Single ‘Holborn Avenue’ Ahead of Debut EP Release

Published

4 months ago

December 10, 2024

From a rebellious schoolboy in Bournemouth to a rising indie-folk sensation, DD Allen is making waves with his heartfelt artistry. His new single Holborn Avenue, serves as the final chapter from his eagerly anticipated debut EP, Rebel Hero. Following standout singles like the title track, Born To Love You, and Green Room, Allen’s latest release cements his place as a compelling voice in the indie music scene.

Holborn Avenue is a stirring exploration of first love and its enduring emotional echoes. Built around Allen’s evocative falsetto vocals, textured guitars, harmonica, and subtle synth layers, the song evolves into a soaring indie-folk anthem. Allen’s emotive songwriting and commanding voice evoke comparisons to Neil Young, Noah Kahan, and Michael Marcagi, crafting a sound that is as timeless as it is contemporary.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, DD Allen shares, “I think how you handle the weight of your memories defines who you become. Even though Holborn Avenue sounds like a heartbreak song, that whole story and chapter of my life makes me smile. It’s probably the purest song I’ve written. She always had a gift for turning an ordinary day into something extraordinary. It was a special journey, and we were young. But fate tore us apart in the end.”

The song captures the bittersweet essence of youthful love, evolving from an intimate ballad to a rousing indie-folk anthem as it builds to the emotive refrain, “away from Holborn Avenue.”

DD Allen’s Rebel Hero EP, also releasing January 24, promises to be a deeply personal collection of songs that resonate with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The EP will be available as a limited-edition deluxe CD, featuring five previously unreleased bonus tracks, offering fans a tangible keepsake of this heartfelt project.

With his distinctive voice and intimate songwriting, DD Allen has built a growing audience eagerly awaiting his debut record. His ability to balance nostalgia with hope has made him an artist to watch, and Holborn Avenue is set to further solidify his place in the indie-folk world.

Stream Holborn Avenue and join DD Allen on an emotional journey through love, loss, and transformation. Experience the full Rebel Hero EP on January 24, 2025, and embrace the artistry of a rising star who is redefining indie folk.

We Speak Music

Etherdene’s “Forsaker” Captures the Power of Letting Go

Published

9 hours ago

April 1, 2025

Philomena Marie

Etherdene’s ‘Forsaker’ is a revelation in both sound and sentiment. The track marks a new chapter in her career, blending the vulnerability of heartbreak with the resilience of moving on, all wrapped in an electrifying package of synth-pop and indie-pop. The result is a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a cathartic journey that encourages listeners to let go and rise above their challenges.

At the heart of ‘Forsaker’ is Etherdene’s exploration of emotional struggle and the painful yet liberating act of letting go. Drawing from her own experiences with the end of a professional partnership, Etherdene’s lyrics are a raw and powerful expression of inner conflict. The line, “Brand new member in the club of quitters, the uniform compliments my eyes,” encapsulates the complex emotions of giving up, flipping the narrative on its head to reveal the strength in choosing to walk away.

‘Forsaker’ is a triumph. Etherdene’s decision to incorporate synth bass arps brings an air of 80s nostalgia while keeping the track fresh and forward-thinking. The electric guitar work from Cory Clark adds a layer of dynamism to the song, complementing its mood perfectly. However, it’s the drums – played by Warren van Wyk – that truly elevate the track, infusing it with energy and warmth that feels almost magical.

What sets ‘Forsaker’ apart is its empowering message. Etherdene isn’t merely recounting a painful experience; she’s showing us the strength that comes from letting go of something that no longer serves you. It’s a message of courage and self-love, encouraging listeners to prioritize their emotional well-being over the fear of walking away from something that seems promising but ultimately isn’t right.

‘Forsaker’ is yet another example of Etherdene’s impressive versatility as an artist. From her early days in the Afrikaans band Kaktus to her current solo career, she has continually pushed the boundaries of what indie-pop can be. With ‘Forsaker’, she’s taken an emotional experience and turned it into a musical triumph that’s as empowering as it is catchy. This track is bound to resonate with anyone who’s ever had to make the difficult decision to walk away – and Etherdene’s ability to capture that moment in song is nothing short of remarkable.