Sinead McConville is due to release ‘Doorstep,’ next Friday 29th May. ‘Doorstep’ is light and airy; it provides the perfect soundtrack to a summer romance. The track opens with tranquil birdsong and a carefree, fingerpicked guitar. Sinead is not shrugging off her Irish influence here. The jazz-folk track sounds Lisa Hannigan-inspired with its soft-spoken, tender vocals. The guitar and birdsong is also reminiscent of Hozier’s well-loved, outdoor recording of ‘Cherry Wine.’ The chords are intricate and jazz-inspired, and the arrangement is subtly complex. It is clear that Sinead is not a newcomer to the field of songwriting; Her years of composing and recording are evident in the expertise she displays on this track.
The intimate, carefully layered vocals in ‘Doorstep’ will wash over you with the warmth of a hug and the calm of a deep sigh. Carefully layered vocals float, dream-like and lingering in the masterful arrangement. The transitions between sections are smooth and the melody is refreshing. Wholesome lyrics depict a robust, sophisticated relationship: “the things that you do make me so proud of you.” Sinead’s maturity is brilliantly evident.
However, there is a shiver of melancholy that penetrates the song’s pure, pristine exterior. Descending melodies in the bassline at choice moments, and lyrics such as “you are a hard-playing fool and I lose every time to you,” provide a creeping feeling of worry and apprehension. Despite this, the song returns to an uplifting, hopeful note in the final, cascading guitar notes. ‘Doorstep’ provides a moment of serenity and unwavering calm at a time in which the modus vivendi is uncertainty and anxiety.
‘Doorstep’ will be released digitally on 29th May. You can pre-save ‘Doorstep’ on Spotify here.