Dancing In The Dark from Daniel Seavey
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
After concluding his tour across the US during the recent winter season, Daniel Seavey has pleasantly surprised his fans by releasing an unexpected EP titled "Dancing In The Dark" on August 11th, 2023. This move comes after previous assurances of an upcoming album, which regrettably had to be postponed due to legal entanglements Daniel Seavey found himself in with his former management team, a situation that arose during his time with the band Why Don’t We. On the day of the EP's release, Seavey took to Instagram, sharing his thoughts through a heartfelt handwritten letter.
“Earlier this year I took some big legal risks to attempt to free myself from my managers (the same ones that I believe broke up my band). I simply wanted to leave the past behind and continue forward with a solo career.” Seavey wrote on Instagram. “I legally have not been allowed to even begin creating my album, but I promise it’s coming as soon as possible. Until then I hope an EP can hold you over…”
He took to Twitter a few hours after the release, expressing his gratitude and joy to fans that have been listening. “These days I dream of how my twisted past could one day turn into a helpful story/example for other artists…. There’s still so much work to do. We’re just getting started,” he says on twitter, punctuating the end of the tweet with a smiley face.
With its unmistakable alt-pop flair, resonant lyrics, and an unapologetic embrace of human vulnerability, this EP is a testament to the artist's ability to capture the essence of the human experience in every chord and verse. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a sonic journey that tugs at the heartstrings and echoes the sentiment of the soul.
Dancing in the Dark kicks off with lead song "Fall Into You", a heartfelt and semi-upbeat love song that resonates with the warmth of surrendering to love. Its melody dances with a lighthearted rhythm, and the lyrics paint a picture of a love that's not just deep, but all-encompassing, as if two souls are merging into one.
Verse by verse, the song tells the story of opening up to someone with unguarded vulnerability. It speaks of how the walls that were once standing tall start to crumble, making room for a connection that's unbreakable. The chorus captures the essence of the song's theme, as the singer croons about the beauty of allowing themselves to fall completely, to dive into the ocean of love without hesitation.
"Give It A Week" is an infectiously upbeat alt-pop anthem that captures the tumultuous rollercoaster of a toxic relationship. The melody is catchy and energetic, drawing listeners in with its lively arrangement and infectious rhythm. The juxtaposition of the vibrant music with the darker theme creates a captivating contrast that mirrors the complexities of the relationship itself.
The song's verses capture the push and pull of a relationship that's unmistakably destructive. The protagonist knows that they're being used and that the other person's affections aren't genuine, yet they find themselves unable to break away. Give It a Week encapsulates the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being trapped in a toxic relationship. It's a vibrant yet introspective exploration of the clash between logic and emotion, leaving listeners reflecting on the intricate dance of love and self-preservation.
Following is “Nothing Compares to You”, previously titled “Nothing Is Ever True” when Seavey performed the track on tour. This particular track stands as the lone explicit song within the EP, emanating a buoyant and beach-inspired atmosphere, amplified by the resonant guitar melodies. This track appears to straddle the line between the first and second song, its lyrics encapsulating a relationship that goes between opposing ends. Despite the back-and-forth nature, it's a bond that seems irreplaceable and unparalleled.
"Leave Me Alone" is a hauntingly captivating alt-pop ballad, reminiscent of the signature sound of The Neighbourhood. The song's melodies are draped in a moody atmosphere, blending melancholic undertones with an irresistible, almost hypnotic, allure.
As the vocals come in, they are infused with a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion, capturing the essence of not being able to shake off the ghost of an ex-lover. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone trapped in the torment of their own thoughts, unable to escape the clutches of a past relationship that still haunts their mind. Leave Me Alone captures the universal theme of struggling to let go of a past love, evoking a sense of empathy and recognition in listeners. With its evocative sound and relatable lyrics, the song becomes a vessel for catharsis, offering solace to anyone who has grappled with the persistent echoes of a lost romance.
Further enriching the EP is Seavey's debut solo single, "Can We Pretend That We're Good.” This resonant track, previously introduced as a precursor to the EP, lays the groundwork for the journey that unfolds. Following this, the EP introduces "Runaway" and "I Tried," two tracks that had found their way into the musical landscape during the latter part of the previous year and the early months of the present year. These additions encapsulate Seavey's evolving musical narrative, showcasing his range and growth as an artist.
In its evocative journey through themes of love, heartache, and self-discovery, this EP stands as a testament to the Seavey's ability to navigate the complex landscape of emotions. With each track, it weaves a narrative that resonates on a deeply personal level, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the intricate stories being told. From the vulnerability of surrendering to love in "Fall Into You," to the turbulent whirlwind of a toxic relationship in "Give It A Week," and the haunting echoes of a past love in "Leave Me Alone," the EP showcases a range of emotions that are both universally relatable and profoundly intimate. With its blend of infectious melodies, introspective lyrics, and an unmistakable alt-pop allure, this collection of songs leaves a lasting imprint, reminding us of the power of music to capture the complexities of the human experience.
Listen to Daniel Seavey’s debut EP “Dancing in the Dark”, get tickets for his upcoming tour and follow him on social media below.
Twitter/X: @seaveydaniel
Instagram: @danielseavey
