The debut EP from UK-based singer/songwriter Daniel McGuinness, The Hourglass showcases an approachable yet emotively melodic vein of songwriting — touching on rock, pop, and folk with balanced, strong production. The EP’s creative process arose during a period of reflection. “The pandemic allowed me time to pause and reflect,” McGuinness explains. “I didn’t want to look back on my life and wish I’d spent more time doing the things that make me happy. That feeling inspired the writing of the title track, “Hourglass”, and became the prevailing theme of the entire EP as the project took shape.”
Commiserations of a “sad and lonely town,” — and a sense of yearning to escape — compel on the opening track “Reciprocity,” ascending from a glistening ’80s rock nostalgia into a radiant “learn from my mistakes,” introspection within the chorus. “Gone” exudes a reflective folk arsenal initially, culminating in the powerful “look through me,” catharsis in the second half. Another highlight comes in “Never Let Me Go,” where illuminated, heartrending strings prove McGuinness’ capacity for ballads, as well. Pianos, strings, and acoustics move in seamlessly gripping form alongside a tender vocal delivery. The Hourglass EP is an engaging success from Daniel McGuinness.
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“Hourglass” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Folk.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
