A brand new year and a handful of beautiful new single releases from Tessa Dalton – what’s not to love?
Let’s begin with the impassioned piano-pop release Love But Not Really – a stunning introduction to the talent and expression of Tessa Dalton if you’re new to her music, and a fine prize of an evocative indie hit for those who’ve long-since been a fan.
Noting over 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone, Tessa Dalton has gone from strength to strength in the past twelve months, her honest writing and vocal fluidity promising a level of authenticity and heart that modern pop has perhaps not seen in quite a while.
In this case, it’s undoubtedly the lyrics that elevate the strength of the release – a profound exploration of feeling, through anecdote and metaphor alike, resounding and concluding with this brilliantly memorable and relatable sentiment that is Love But Not Really.
Also worth hearing this year is the equally enchanting beauty and vulnerability of Nothing Left Of Me. ‘I go on, and on, and on – I really don’t know myself’ marks a superb opening line, and the song builds up the anticipation and grit from this moment onwards, presenting an almost pop-punk energy and pace, which effectively lights up yet another side to the ever-thoughtful and unlimited creative reach of Tessa.
An energising alternative track, with increasing weight throughout a fearlessly personal and genuine performance and lyrical thread that captivates and connects in a bold way.
Then there’s the 2024 offering Hit The Lights – an acoustic guitar setting a more quirky vibe, an intimate voice presenting a new story and setting the scene in an instant. Tessa’s balancing of relatable pop references and deeply personal memories and events is what lets her music reach out with such value, and the brief but distinct Hit The Lights not only achieves this beautifully, but offers a fast-paced outpouring and superb hook resolve at its peak – an easy earworm that naturally lingers in the mind.
Finally, there’s a dreamy pattern and pace to Whiplash, making it another highlight – perhaps for its humility of style and complexity or originality of lyric. That vulnerability again is refreshing, and the drop into a heavier pop-rock chorus lets the emotions ring louder than ever.
Easily one of indie pop’s most engaging and original lyricists, with an eclectic array of songs and faultlessly alluring, emotive vocals forever at the forefront. This year is set to be huge for Tessa Dalton – absolutely one to watch out for as the months roll along.
Find Tessa Dalton on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Apple & her Website.