SINGLE REVIEW: Danswell and The Symptoms - She/her
Danswell and The Symptoms is the solo project of Cardiff based multi-instrumentalist Dan Taswell. Dan identifies as non-binary using them/they pronouns.
'She/her' is Dan's first release of 2023 and follows last October's '1994' single.
There's a lot going on in 'She/her' making it hard to pin down to any one genre. Beginning with lo-key, simplistic guitars and arty vocals that I found myself likening to the gruff theatrics of Meatloaf the track builds into a more up-tempo groove with battling vox. 'She/her' mellows and builds throughout, sometimes feeling dramatic and frantic while at others taking on a more fuzzy, shoegaze stance. There's screaming riffs, stunning synths and an electronica undertone running throughout. There's distortion and composure as the guitars chime; one moment feeling dreamy the next bold and raw. It's a mesmerising, artistic listen, capturing everything Dan has to offer and showcasing their musical talent in the space of four minutes.
‘She/her’ details the rise and fall of a female star. Showing how fickle fame is and how once you fall from your pedestal the public are quick to turn and betray. One minute living the high life, people flocking from miles to worship and adore you, the next ripped down and put back in your place; "She'll sing and dance and wow us all, then we'll rip her down and smash her crown"
In the modern age where everyone wants to be a star, 'She/her' is a grim insight into just how fragile the life of a celebrity is. One wrong move or a change in fad and suddenly you're torn from your stage and ejected back into no one status.
Dan is an exceptional talent, their musical versatility apparent throughout 'She/her', their songwriting hard hitting and relevant. I'm seriously impressed and look forward to hearing more of their art.
