Single review: Nasher – XO

Artist – Nasher (Brian Nash)

Single – XO

Release date – 16h June 2017

Reviewer – David Burton

XO is the latest offering form ex Frankie Goes To Hollywood guitarist Brian Nasher. It tells the story of a friend who had a penchant for the Hennesey brandy of the same name.

The track opens with soaring synths and and steady kick as the jangly acoustic guitars drive the track along. The vocals feature what sounds like autotune and effects contributing to overall electronic feel of the production. The synths come in providing a dynamic lift to the chorus accompanying the memorable refrain “XO, XO… one before you go.” A poignant memory of the habit that presumably contributed to the subject’s untimely demise.

After the second chorus the vocals and synths build to a densely overdubbed crescendo and a vocal melody, morphing into the outro where the vocals become increasingly ethereal contributing to the sense of loss the songs conveys.

Musically it make for a pleasant listen, the guitars blending well with the electronic elements to provide a solid basis for Nash to tell his story. It does feel a touch aimless in as much as harmonically it doesn’t develop a great deal. Perhaps that is the point however, reflecting the unalterable nature of the subject of the story, who is not able change the habits which lead to his inevitable end. In any case, the affection that Nash feels for him is clear and as such makes for a fitting tribute for his friend.

David Burton

Review © 2017 David Burton, Liverpool Acoustic

This single is available from SoundCloud

Brian “Nasher” Nash

Facebook – facebook.com/babylonpink

Twitter – @babylonpink

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Single review: Nasher – XO