‘With a sound that’s nostalgic, romantic and as finely woven as a silk scarf, it’s a spine-tinglingly beautiful track.’
Intro to Savine
Initially coming to my attention last year, London based singer-songwriter Savine Warmelink is already proving that 2020 is most definitely the time to feature her. Releasing her debut track in mid-2019, the up-tempo, jazz-infused, effortlessly infectious sound of ‘Makes Me Feel’ was one that instantly stood out for all the right reasons. So while it never got a review at the time, the intention was to always provide coverage of Savine in someway. Therefore, with her notifying me of a release scheduled for 2nd January 2020, I knew, before I even heard it, that ‘One Woman Show’ would be the perfect way to kick off 2020. As it turns out though, I more than slightly underestimated just how perfect it would be. Read more at: Behind the Music: Interview with Savine
Track Review
Effortlessly introducing us to this contrasting side of Savine’s musicality, a sparse combination of twangy guitar and piano delicately creeps into our ears. Timeless is indeed most definitely the word. However, with Savine’s vocal tone bringing warmth to the opening line of ‘I need a man that cares for me’, intimate soon becomes just as appropriate. Touchingly infused with subtle inflections, it’s impossible to not be drawn in and with country blues vocal harmonies emerging, it’s a thing of voice-centred, nostalgically romantic beauty. As for the accompaniment, with affectionately played cymbals – yes that’s possible – and graceful piano, it’s just as magical as the way Savine delivers the evolving story.
Seemingly growing from nowhere – with the opening verse being one of subtlety – on moving to the chorus, the sense of freedom is replaced by triplet led fixed metre. Completely transforming the sound, this sense of true rhythm brings with it a wonderful sense of sway. Momentum filled, yet retaining the essence of the former sound, it blossoms into life beautifully. Likewise, with Savine’s vocal blossoming just as much, the sudden soars in pitch send shivers down the spine while stylistic voice breaks make the initial connections even stronger. So early in the track, you may well think it’s too early for this level of growth. But trust me, it really isn’t.
Perfectly complimenting the transformed sound, the new atmosphere continues into the ensuing verse with the blend of vocal and instrumental motifs proving to be as finely woven as a silk scarf. Ideas aplenty, there is a complete collection of influences. Whether it be the wonderful way the strummed acoustic guitar chords link to the country-style setting of the vocals. Or whether it’s the more jazz-blues style piano fragments, it’s a true delight to experience. Oh, and in case you were wondering about Savine’s vocal, effortlessly switching between head voice and true tone before bursting into belt on the line of ‘And baby I need a man’ , it’s a showcase that’s as complete as the surroundings. As is what is to follow.
Changing texturally to become more driven via synchronised guitar and drums, as we head through the first half of the most incredible two-part bridge, the lyrical intentions alter too. More direct than to this point, phrases such as ‘Red curtains move when I say so’ and ‘Don’t you remember it’s my own show?’are delivered in a way that’s beautifully refined, and delicately statement like. However, completely casting the delicacy aside, Savine’s vocal cries above everything and seamlessly foreshadowing the second half of the bridge, it’s a musical transition that’s as goosebump-inducing as the resulting sound itself.
Totally sublime in every way, just as you think there can be no more to delight us, the most glorious of rock-blues guitar solos breaks through. Generating what is, without doubt, the most dominating atmosphere of the whole track, it soars and weaves above the pounding, drum centred accompaniment. Pouring with emotion equal to that of the vocals to this point, it’s a truly magical moment. Honestly, it really is. And in any other track, it would be in the category of phenomenal. However in this one, with Savine’s soaring vocal guiding us to the end of her ‘One Woman Show’, the sound becomes so impassioned and so overwhelming that it belongs in a category all by itself.
Follow Savine on: Instagram
Listen to Savine’s music on: Spotify
Find out more about Savine on: Behind the Music: Interview with Savine
Savine is part of Listen to Discover’s #FridayFindsFeaturedArtist series which you can keep up to date with on Twitter and Facebook.
Wouw Savine that’s a great review to kick of 2020!
It starts with a big plus!
Good luck we will follow you as a singer!
Neighbor girl