Declan McKenna - 'Sympathy'
Before taking the main stage at Reading and Leeds Festival in August, Declan McKenna has released a song perfectly suited for summer.
Returning with his new single ‘Sympathy’, the first since achieving such impressive success with his second album ‘Zeros’ in 2020. Speaking on the new track McKenna says “It was important to use fewer words and not over-explain things this time around”. And he’s done just that. With a melody that’s upbeat yet relaxed, paired with lyrics that refuse to be overbearing creating a song you can chose to delve into or just simply enjoy.
The song radiates confidence, sunshine and bliss. With a catchy chorus bursting into our ears from the get go ‘Sympathy won’t you come around’, it’s the prefect song to release before Mckenna’s festival stints in the summer.
‘Sympathy’ is built on top of playful trumpets, rhythmic claps, light drums and elated guitars. Creating an effortless and easy going nature. The tune exudes enjoyment and perfectly captures that summer joy.
Declan McKenna discusses the lyrics behind ‘Sympathy’ declaring, “Sympathy doesn’t have a complex message, and, in itself, encourages simplicity and directness. It feels like a dream about love and compassion, it wants us to let go of inhibitions and allow ourselves to truly connect with others rather than overthinking and hiding your feelings away. Or put even simpler, it’s about peace and love.”
In comparison to his previous successful singles which include ‘British Bombs’ and ‘Brazil’, ‘Sympathy’ is the more lyrically simplistic of the bunch. McKenna decide to not hide behind metaphors or complexities, instead opting to speak his feeling freely in a honest and clear way.
McKenna delivers a energetic, joyous pop song upon his return. With hopefully more to come, it’s an emphatic return for the young indie-pop star.
Words by Anna Street
