While It Lasted by Daisy Peacock – 11/10/2024

Daisy Peacock’s latest single ‘While It Lasted’ seems to explore her 16-year-old self struggling to deal with a manipulative relationship, how it still affects her years later and wondering “how different I’d be if you never came into my life”. My interpretation of this song is that it describes different scenarios where the first person reflects on how she was left feeling confused and like she was doing something wrong, but how she has since come to the realisation that the relationship was simply toxic, at the fault of the other person. I believe this sends a powerful message to the listener to think about how they might view their own relationships in the future, looking back, even if they still have feelings for the person. It makes them ask ‘will I regret spending this time in this relationship?’, ‘should I be in this relationship?’, ‘am I happy?’, and serves as a warning about unhealthy relationships, from the perspective of someone who has experienced one.

The recording opens with a synth string pad, which creates a solemn atmosphere before Daisy’s voice swiftly takes over, which stands out against the simple, gentle instrumentation. A kick drum is introduced which creates a rhythm and sets a pace for the rest of the track, to contrast the drones held by the synth, with slower attack and release. The vocal melody in the verse occasionally uses pauses to grab the listener’s attention and emphasise points made in the lyrics before and after the pause, which shows how the lyrics and melody work together, and contrasts the rest of the verse’s vocal melody, which tends to flow more.

The chorus sees a dramatic increase in instruments, which is useful to separate the verse and chorus, as the main instrument (the synth) and, in some parts, the vocal melody, remains the same, except in places where the vocal melody features longer notes, where the verse contained more pauses and some shorter, rhythmic notes.

The use of rhythm and instrumentation in the bridge builds a lot of tension, which will later lead back into the chorus. Impressive vocal harmonies feature in the start of the bridge, before a relatively fast-paced rhythmic vocal melody takes us back to the chorus.

Daisy’s music generally features typical ‘indie/pop’ instruments, such as drums, bass and guitar, but also includes some electronic instruments, such as synths, and sound effects, presumably due to the creative input of talented Producer, Edenhill. This combination of instruments and tones, that are traditionally from different styles, makes Daisy’s recordings positively interesting, unique and allows for more emphasis on the contrast between different sections, as well as additional movement in the arrangement.

Overall, this is a catchy, well-written, well-structured song from a talented songwriter and artist, captured in a recording that creates the intended atmosphere perfectly. The traditional indie/pop instruments remind us of Daisy’s core genre, while the electronic elements create tension where tension is needed, melancholy where melancholy is needed and, generally, further emphasises the mood that is necessary in that moment.

Also available at TJPL News/Plectrum Magazine