It is always interesting to see an artist hone their vision, and Fiona Amaka has done just that with her reworked version of No Daylight. It is not merely a remix, but a song reimagined, with new production work by Andy Zanini and extra mixing by Stefan Antoinette that brings every flicker of Amaka dexterous artistry to the fore.
The combination of the words melancholic and banger perfectly describes what this song is all about The first minutes hook you up in this world where uncivilized emotions meet unstoppable power. The vocal performance of Fiona is the core of it all, as she swings through a range of restrained vulnerability and urgent intensity creating this dynamic experience that keeps you completely involved throughout.
What I love most about this is how genuine it is in its 80s post-punk inspiration, yet so modern at the same time. The crashing guitars and heavy bass lines make a rich layered background to the storytelling by Amaka, and it never overtakes it. This is a more polished and punchy production than some of the modern day retro revival attempts, and everything has space to breathe and make an impression.
The sentimental narration in this part is what lifts No Daylight out of the realm of pure nostalgia The ethereal tunes of Amaka take you through the high and lows of emotion and the result is something that is felt by all ages and cultures. It is the kind of song that sounds huge when you are out in a live performance but will still sound intimate when you are listening to it alone.
This revised edition shows that even the greatest art can be achieved by considering the feedback and going the extra mile. Fiona has turned something that was already effective and made it irrefutable. The outcome is a song that respects the post-punk heritage, and at the same time makes her a significant figure in the current British rock, rough, affecting and irreplaceable.
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