I got a great review on “Seismic Meltdown” by Rhonda Readence, check it out:

Artist: Andrew Nicholson

Song: “Seismic Meltdown”

Review by: Rhonda Readence

As a self-taught musician from the Netherlands, Andrew Nicholson entered the world of music at a young age and has remained there since, studying at Glasgow University in Scotland and citing Meatloaf, Bruce Springsteen and Imogen Heap as influences. The track “Seismic Meltdown” was directly influenced by Imogen Heap, and in this artfully composed piece of music, Nicholson delves into the tragic earthquake and resulting tsunami and nuclear meltdown that occurred in Japan in March of 2011

“Seismic Meltdown” is Andrew Nicholson’s first single from the album Hard Clown’n Noise, which is set for release in summer of 2011. The track is lyrically sound and offers an insightful and emotional look into the triple tragedy that struck Japan. It begins with mournful piano work that carries with it a sense of despair and hope. The solo efforts of Richard Wright may come to mind as listeners enjoy the graceful and elegant piano playing. The track begins slowly and quickly builds to a crescendo of heartfelt imagery of the devastation that struck Japan and the aftermath left in its wake.

Nicholson has the unique ability to touch upon a subject that brought great sorrow and despair to tens of thousands, and yet there is an essence of hope in his music. There is a sense of compassion toward our fellow man that is evident as Nicholson sings “Embracing each other / Whose names you don’t know / After this destructive time / Where can we go?” This line alone is powerful enough, but “Seismic Meltdown” is riddled with lyrics that bring to mind the scenes of chaos that were broadcast worldwide after the tragedy struck. This song also highlights the human instinct to help one another and come together in times of need.

The music itself is skillfully done with exceptional piano work and artful guitar playing that sends the heart soaring. Nicholson’s vocals are occasionally pitchy and they are not his strong suit, but the intelligent and honest lyrics more than make up for this. The powerful instrumentation and excellent composition of this piece makes it more than just a song. It is a story of human suffering and hope; fatalities and those left among the living; the process of picking up the pieces and comforting others, some of whom are complete strangers.

“Seismic Meltdown” is a rock opera that carries a wonderful message and leaves listeners with a sense of hope in the wake of complete destruction. The human spirit is uplifted with this song, despite the grim reasons for it having been written at all. Andrew Nicholson has put into words and music the horror we all felt after such a remarkable tragedy – The lives taken, the survivors, the lost and broken people helping each other. He has artfully captured a time in human history that will forever be remembered, and he has done it with skill and grace.

Review by Rhonda Readence

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

 

Seismic Meltdown is now available for download via Amazon from here and Itunes from here.

Still finalising the album. But into the mastering stage now, then artwork. Soon soon soon! I promise!

Peace,

Andrew