Already having spell-cast over listeners with solid melodies, his smooth voice, and thoughtful lyrics, Kent’s singer-songwriter Daniel McGuinness surpasses himself with “The Hourglass EP.” Since his first release in 2022, McGuinness has constantly been delivering enchanting songs, featuring good tunes, seamless vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics. The new set of tracks further increased the impressive repertoire of a songwriter who introduced modern folk, pop, and rock in a way that was all his own.
The EP starts with the upbeat track “Reciprocity,” a bouncy number from the very start that hooks your ears in with its harmonic layers of vocals and spirited instrumentation. It builds up the ambient background of lively drums and guitars, making a perfect setting for introspective, conversational lyrics. It toe-taps with an ’80s-inspired vibe but remains current and fresh.
Third is the title track, “Hourglass,” treated to the one-two punch of masterful emotional storytelling. The electric guitar line opens as an almost duet with McGuinness’s warm, inviting vocals that beg to bring the listener into a world filled with piano and strings. The soft percussion is building throughout the piece, giving it that wide sonic field where every feeling is felt. The lyrics, which McGuinness can be heard singing – making every second count are so hopeful that it’s hard not to feel one way or another.
Finishing the EP is the simply gorgeous “Warm – Acoustic.” The acoustic guitar on this track is quite stunning, as its crispness serves to underline the layers within McGuinness’ unmistakable vocal tone. It’s a warm track, like a personal serenade, and it seems to find its proper place at the close of this deeply personal and reflective collection.
There are also tracks such as “Gone,” a soft post-grunge-tinged acoustic ballad that exemplifies McGuinness’s introspective side, as well as “Every Moment,” which demonstrates, once again, his ability to write compelling, highly personal, hook-filled material.
Referring to the EP, McGuinness said it was because the pandemic had finally allowed him time and space to think and reflect on his life and music. And from here, in this period of introspection, came the title track and prevailing theme for the whole EP: The Hourglass. Having decided to abandon the traditional recording process, he found Eliott Glinn, a Uxbridge-based producer/engineer with whom he could work remotely. This approach enabled him to experiment and fine-tune his sound from the comfort of his home studio, which led to a series of songs characterised by a very earthy and honest quality.
Daniel McGuinness’s first release, “The Hourglass EP,” explores his great diversity as a songwriter—from lively and upbeat to soft and contemplative. This EP is undoubtedly meant to feel. With its lush arrangements and honest lyrics, one can look forward to whatever McGuinness has coming up next.
You can find more of Daniel McGuinness at:
You can listen to ‘The Hourglass EP’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.