Dominic Price launches an impressive debut single as Dead Language, providing a surprisingly thoughtful listening experience for a pop track.
Stockholm is a rare song that can be best enjoyed both on a summer’s day while rocking in a hammock, or while alone in bed bemoaning the collapse of your relationship of two years. This versatility owes itself to the structural complexity of Dead Language’s writing, singing and production capabilities.
Stockholm from Sydney’s Dead Language is a grade-A debut boasting unreal production, comprehensive lyrics and a bangin’ good beat.
Stockholm manages to weave together serious lyrics with cheerful electro-pop synths in possibly the best example of its kind since Foster the People’s 2010 sleeper hit Pumped Up Kicks. Alluding to Price’s struggles with his mental health, Stockholm compares the singer’s depression to Stockholm Syndrome.
The depth of his lyrics are owed in part to his linguistics degree – however, don’t be put off by the idea of another self-indulgent songwriter on the scene. Stockholm’s lyrics are concise, clear, and cleverly metaphorical throughout the whole track.
The simplicity and effectiveness of Price’s wordplay betray a keen eye for detail, and allow Stockholm to transcend beyond the realm of genres.
Although his lyrics are an impressive highlight of the track, Price’s vocals are energetic, booming, and melodic. To overlook his extremely capable singing abilities would be an injustice; he has the voice of an indie rock star peppered with that of a pop sweetheart.
Furthermore, the production of his track’s general beat is noteworthy. His electronic-pop composition may sound safe at first, but it really is a case of knowing your genre and doing it off well. The smoothness of the whole composition is honestly surprising considering that it’s Price’s first single as Dead Language.
Stockholm displays a professional maturity and stylistic development not usually present in junior artists. While there could be a little more room for experimentation with his sound, that’s not really a fair criticism at this stage in Price’s career.
Price’s first track as Dead Language is an effortlessly catchy tune that has obviously been meticulously planned, and that planning has paid off. Stockholm is a perfect example of its genre; don’t be surprised to see Dead Language appearing more and more if he maintains the quality of his work.
