Dannii Scott – “Saudade” – a stylistically independent artist

The EP “Saudade” is crafted by an artist who is not of this earth. From beginning to end, and back again a fifth time through, I simply cannot stop listening to this recording. This is a collection of songs made by a human filled with love, and understands all its facets – both the happy and the sad. Dannii Scott will eviscerate your musical palate in the best way possible. This is an incredible collection of highly original tracks that lean on lo-fi and psychedelic flavors, to deliver its deep-thinking and chilled ambiance, based on break ups, which Dannii experienced firsthand, Brazilian beaches and general good vibes, all extracted from his indefinite South American adventure.

Right from the opening track, “Ride The Wave”, Dannii uses his skilled pen, as he creates a story with his words, paints a picture with his voice, and conjures up a mood with his music. The track sounds like a conscious effort to carve a specific spot in an eclectic downtempo groove. Flickering keys give the impression that the vocal and instrumental are working in opposition, giving a sense of one-upmanship. It really pushes this track to another level.

“Not To Worry” takes that downtempo groove into a harder hitting psychedelic mantra that captivates with its melodic lead motif and slamming snare drum. This track is like a slow rhythmic brawl. Dannii Scott’s vocals are characteristically fantastic here, and justifies the slow-moving progression of the song which is beyond hypnotic.

“Be My Love”, flaunts fluctuating guitars-driven sonic dynamics, which is even more assertive in developing Scott as a stylistically independent artist. Shuffling percussion patterns, dreamy piano chords, squelchy basslines, astral guitar squiggles and an all-round free-sounding aesthetic, invites a broader set of listeners into his singular world.

Dannii Scott seems to have no interest in what anyone else is doing. And like so many visionaries before him, he takes cues from the expanse of his own mindset and experiences, basking in the glow of musical spaces left vacant, places unreachable to most who follow the mainstream flow. He disregards complex technology, concerned instead with the human psyche and emotion. His dark and moody arrangement stays wondrous on “One For You”.

“All The Space” is built on a backdrop of a strummed acoustic guitar and tweeting birds, accompanied by Dannii Scott’s lead vocal, and ambient field noise. As usual, Scott’s music carries a gravitas that is not present in most glossy studio recordings. The man is far more interested in probing deeper truths than merely addressing a topic at a time. As always, each composition is filled with goodness and unexpected counterpoints hiding in every corner.

The EP “Saudade” closes with the hazy slow groove of “Wish You Well”. The EP is the trickiest of acquired tastes, and you will need the patience to wait for the songs to unfurl. For those who do, a reward awaits. “Saudade”, like the man who made it, is a world of its own: often beautiful, and totally inimitable. Bathe in the chilled, singular visions conjured by Dannii Scott, refresh yourself, and begin anew.