Ella Thompson - “Let There Be Nothing”
Photo by Nick McKinlay
Australia-based Ella Thompson has just released the retro toned, cinematic, retro soul track, “Let There Be Nothing.”
“Let There Be Nothing” is a lush, brooding, hauntingly melancholic track that is rich in a noir-like atmosphere. It is the song that keeps giving with striking, evocative musical layers. Staccato stabs of electric guitar emphasise the track’s sweet rhythm, but also allow a pleasing amount of space and clarity for the other elements.
Enhancing the emotional depth are soulful expressive trumpets that build a sense of tension but also allow a feeling of release as the clear notes soar majestically. Enhancing the cinematic qualities is a harpsichord-like sounding instrument that permeates a feeling of mystery. It has the same vibe as the Hungarian hammered dulcimer used on Lalo Schifrin’s “The Danube Incident.” This is all before we get to the weaving flute and sophisticated piano playing.
Pushing the song forward is a slow-grooving drum beat that feels as if it has been lifted from a ‘60s soul record. The modest rhythm is filled with pleasing little back beats and subtle syncopation that adds a waltzing sense of swagger to the composition’s movement. Pulsing with a rich, warm tone, an expressive bass line provides “Let There Be Nothing“ with prolific, walking lines and rhythmic variation.
The vocal of Ella Thompson is deeply soulful and authentic. It elegantly expresses a wide range of emotions, from heartache and longing to strength and resilience. Surrounded by layered harmonies and countermelodies from backing vocals, the whole performance feels effortlessly iconic.
Lyrically, the track is a song about leaving, inspired by Carmela Soprano leaving her husband Tony in the Sopranos. Thompson adds that it’s about “accepting something for what it is, without trying to change or fix it - and then making the choices you need to make. That moment of realization can be sad and incredibly difficult, but on the other side is freedom.”
“Let There Be Nothing” is the first single from Ella Thompson forthcoming album, courtesy of HopeStreet Recordings, slated for released later this year.
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