The ethereal new solo single from Naomi Campbell, a member of Motel Sundown, carries us back in time, conveying us there through a wistful melody and her yearning vocals. With a sense of forlorn nostalgia, The Cottage builds and grows subtly, adding gentle percussion and dreamy instrumental layers before a plaintive flute solo by Ellen McGovern completes the sonic and lyrical journey into the past and into Campbell’s deep reflections.
Campbell’s sensitive words have the detail of personal recollections while allowing us all to step back into another world haunted by our own memories and the passing of time: “When I walk along these old familiar signs // Past the church with empty seats and orange lights //There’s just one thing remains in my mind // Who will sleep in that old White House tonight? // Standing by the corner of the gates // Wrapped inside the trees day after day it waits for me, // If we could just go back in time // Hearing all the voices still echoing inside.” Her soulful voice ranges high, captivating us and drawing us into her story.
Directed and shot by Sketch Benjamin, the video uses blur and motion and bleached colour to create the feeling of remembering, transporting us into Campbell’s past and her memories; it’s an artistic visual that complements the song’s lyrical purpose.
This is the first single from Campbell’s highly anticipated debut solo EP and follows previous singles Tuesday’s News, Don’t You Mind and Naturally. Campbell’s songwriting shows great promise, and she is one to watch; if you want to catch her live, Campbell will be performing an acoustic set on 24th April at Union Chapel – one of London’s finest venues – in support of MT Jones. This will be followed by three headline shows in Manchester, London and Derry. Absorbing stuff.
