The mark of a good artist is understanding the fine balance between the message of the art and the technicality of your craft. Melbourne duo NYCK (NICK ACQUROFF and DOMINIQUE GARRARD) obviously had this understanding well in tune whilst creating their newest release, 'Speak My Mind'.
The music takes a back seat in this piece, and the melody floats to the forefront. Heartache flourished vocals give the track all the emotional reach it needs to portray the feeling the Melbourne duo try and expose us to. Hushed piano keys saunter through well crafted chord changes to offer just enough rhythm to charge the metronome to a sultry cadence.
'Speak My Mind' is a pre cursor to Nyck's past release, 'Decision', and it is a guiltless expression of the days and weeks before the demise of a well established relationship. 'Decision' encompasses the boiling point of a relationship, similar to the one sung about in tatters in 'Speak My Mind'.
The relentless emotion in vocalist NICK ACQUROFF's serenade is the beating heart of this track. Precise musicianship is also on show, and is super necessary when dealing with such a heart-wrenching vocal. In companionship to the piano piece at the track's spine, Acquroff and Garrard put in electronic elements, giving the track a more spacious vibe, while the keys and electric guitar give the musical accompaniment its human essence.
An overpowering message that comes across in this song is, regardless of all the pressures and all the delicacy required when dealing with the downfalls of relationships, the immense honesty that shows in Nyck's music -and hopefully their performances- will always remain uncontested.
The supremely talented duo, apart from recently releasing two absolute gems of tracks, has also just announced they will be joining AMY SHARK on her national tour throughout March and April.
If you were lucky enough to secure a ticket to one of Shark's gigs before they all sold out, you're in for an absolute treat of an opening act. If not, keep a close eye out these guys will be spreading their blessings on (hopefully) a venue near you on the 'Speak My Mind' tour in late April.
Until then of course, please enjoy Nyck's latest serving of soul food 'Speak My Mind'.
Words by STEVE COPP
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