Just short of a full-blown dance track, “From Nowhere” doesn’t overexert itself but channels enough energy to prevent a loss of attention and provoke a solid groove. The track’s deliberately tacky two dimensional intro is brilliantly juxtaposed with the ensuing substance that follows the addition of strings and percussion. A deep bassline and driving hi-hat juggle the rhythm while the vocals support a friendly, unassuming melody.
Young Liverpool upstart Dan Croll is one of many blossoming electronic artists whose few releases draw attention but render only a vague depiction of what can be expected from subsequent releases. At only 22 years old, Croll may lack experience but has promising credentials. In his short time in the music industry, Croll has been named a national songwriter of the year, and due to his stellar work during his time at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts was one of eight students to meet one-on-one with the institute’s founder, Sir Paul McCartney.
In addition to his accessible electro single “From Nowhere”, a bit of digging unearths Croll’s few other singles, including “Home” in which he drops the synth and keyboard to show his indie-folk side, singing over an acoustic guitar. Croll’s “Just Like Christmas” not only shows his Paul Simon influence but directly samples the signature drumbeats of “The Obvious Child”. Such unexpected diversity has hopeful implications, but only stresses the question of what path Croll’s musical future holds.