Cowards and Shadows: a Stunning and Moving Work of Art by Fiona Amaka is an excellent and emotional work that resonates with the lack of connection in contemporary life, addressing the all too common culture of ghosting so beautifully and so crudely in the same breath. It is a piece that demonstrates the development of Amaka as a songwriter - her skill in taking the current social trends and twisting them into a song that is really heard.
From the very first listen, the song is quite appealing, as it lures you in with its muffled, rough-cut guitar sounds, which were developed in collaboration with producer and a guitarist Andy Zanini. The intentionally rough sound effects reflect the motifs of loneliness and emotional instability, however, it does not outshine the powerful vocals of Amaka.
Her performance is extraordinary here: vulnerable and naked, yet never frail: she sings with that conviction that can be attained through experience, not acting. All the lines are charged with disappointment, acceptance, and a wisdom that is painful in its nature. The emotion sinks even deeper when it is seen against a folk-rock background with her characteristically light sprinkles of blues and soul.
The universality of Cowards and Shadows is what makes the song so touching. Although it starts with the sound of romantic detachment, Amaka expands the story to a larger level the cultural inclination to avoid, to evade, to cease communication altogether, in friendships, work, etc. It is that broader resonance that makes the song such an engaging listen; it allows the audience to take their own time to experience their own periods of loss and silence.
The Bowie-esque flair is present here, also not imitation, but in spirit, Amaka is also churning the classic rock vibe, but keeping her feet in the present. It is a mix of tradition and modernity that is entirely hers, evidence of an artist whose livewire stage performance is so vivid in recordings.
Fiona Amaka establishes herself as one of the most fascinating personalities in the contemporary folk-rock landscape with Cowards and Shadows: emotionally smart, musically bold and courageous enough to convey unpleasant truths with dignity and passion.
