Samuel Nicholson - “Black Dog Funeral”
Photo by Suzi Corker
The UK-based singer-songwriter Samuel Nicholson has just released “Black Dog Funeral,” a brilliantly atmospheric composition that is full of great textures and tones.
Fuzz bass, a chugging rhythm guitar, and slow-pulsing beat create a deep and powerful atmosphere that draws in its listener. The song gains a gritty liveliness from the lead guitar’s excellent distorted tones. After serving up the soaring sections of the song, the music breaks to an acoustic guitar. The bass line briefly, at this point, makes me think of “Walk On The Wild Side,” by Lou Reed. The song gradually intensifies to a crescendo of a satisfying guitar solo and soaring vocal lines.
Nicholson’s vocal performance throughout is excellent, showing off a wide vocal range and distinct tonal character. He sings with passion and it really sets the song on fire. Some strange analogue tones and guitar close the song. For me, this only adds more charm to this glorious track. The lyrics of “Black Dog Funeral” examine what happens once a relationship ends and the seismic shift in loyalties that can occur between people.
“Black Dog Funeral” is the second song to be taken from Nicholson’s upcoming album, Birthday Suit.