Declan McKenna, Isombard | Track Review 🎵

British teen singer/songwriter Declan McKenna continues to impress with his meaningful songwriting and maturity on single “Isombard.”

Teen singer/songwriter Declan McKenna loves meaningful songwriting.  To be so young, McKenna’s “call to action” style is impressive.  Where many kids his age seemed to be most concerned with wooing the girls, McKenna has a message…lots of them.  His latest single, “Isombard” is the latest ambitious offering, taking a shot at right-wing media in the U.S.

“Isombard” opens with arpeggiated synths, not unlike the synths from “Paracetamol.” Soon, a percussive groove and full-fledged production anchors. The chorus is catchy and epic.  McKenna’s vocals are enthused, exuberant, and aggressive.  Ultimately, “Isombard” is an adrenaline rush given the quick pace.

“Well, if you can’t walk then run / well, if you can’t walk then run.”

There are plenty of key lyrical moments throughout the course of the record.  Among the best is a reference to the fall of government:

“So what of you? / the faithful few / should take them all / government fall.”

Later, McKenna compares policemen and gangs, in reference to violence and brutality.

“So which one hangs / police with gangs / it’s all the same / it’s all the same”

One final brilliant lyric stands out as McKenna poetically sings,

“You fearless man / So tell your violent and tame / that they will cry / never again.” 

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “Isombard” is relatively simple minimalist and simple lyrically, but those lyrics carry weight.  Once more, Declan McKenna proves he has a knack for deep songwriting.  Besides the lyrical content, McKenna delivers strong vocals and the production is exceptional.

Declan McKenna • What Do You Think About the Car? • Columbia • Release: 7.21.17

Photo Credit: Columbia