Waking Up by Withered Hand: Review

by Damien Reid March 8, 2023

March 8, 2023

The worries and struggles of everyday life presented through bright uplifting musical arrangements ensure a listener could enjoy the swing of the beats while taking the profound lyrics to heart. This is exactly what Withered Hand, nom de plume for singer-songwriter Dan Willson who hails from Edinburg managed to concoct in his latest single ‘Waking Up’.

‘Waking Up’ is the first single from Dan Willson’s upcoming album ‘How To Love’ to be released on 28^th April 2023. The single was recorded, produced, and mixed by Tony Doogan and released via Reveal Records on 14^th February. The actual musical arrangements and the tastefulness of the song are undeniably tailor-made for listeners’ preferences. Listening to the song will not require active attention. Rather it could be on repeat and you would not want to change it for something more.

Dan Willson started writing songs after the birth of his first child and the death of his friend, two instances that signify opposite emotions, Dan has managed to merge these feelings in his songs in an artistic way. ‘Waking Up’ starts with a clean tasty guitar solo over a consistent chord progression and the organ accenting every note with bliss. The brass and trumpet create a joyful and happy character while clean guitar licks guide the song in the desired direction. Dan Willson’s voice is perfectly carved for his compositions and he has done an outstanding job in ‘Waking Up’ with his to-the-point singing and diction. The profound lyrics speak about everyday worries and shredding them bit by bit. Dan Willson has already sold out shows and received acclaim through his music and if the latest single is any indication, the latest album should be one for which the listeners will eagerly wait.