Single Review: Vance Joy – ‘Fire And The Flood’
2 min read
Since releasing the magnetic Riptide in 2013, Australian singer-songwriter James Keogh, aka Vance Joy, has been on a seemingly endless ascent. The inescapable track that launched a thousand opportunities earned him the top spot in Triple J’s 2013 ‘Hottest 100’ list, a record-breaking run in the Top 100 Aria singles chart, the Grand Prize at the International Songwriting Competition in 2014, and most recently scoring an MTV VMA nomination.
Somewhere between amassing critical acclaim, international success, supporting global superstar Taylor Swift on her current world tour, and playing his own headline shows and festival appearances, the Melbourne-based troubadour has found the time and energy to write and record new music.
His latest musical effort is brand new single Fire And The Flood, a track that remains defined by his now trademark indie-acoustic sound, frank lyrics, emotive storytelling and sincere delivery. Joy fleshes out this simple, solid formula with horns, heart-pumping percussion and subtle vocal harmonies. Joy’s voice trembles with distinctive vibrato as the emotionally charged track puts his vocal range on full display; a carefully nuanced delivery built for uncomplicated, beautiful storytelling: “You’re the fire and the flood / and I always feel you in my blood”.
Premiering on Triple J Breakfast radio, Fire And The Flood is due to appear on a special, deluxe re-packaging of Vance Joy’s #1 ARIA album Dream Your Life Away with other new material. The track is sure to garner even more enthusiasm for his November return to Australia, and proves Joy’s unpretentious music making is as effective as it is affecting.
