POV: it’s summer and you’re looking for love. Listen to the gentle waves and look into your crush’s eyes. That’s exactly what Keisha Buckland’s new song – Ammonite is about!
Before we dive into the vast ocean of music reviews, I feel it’s only right to introduce the artist and mastermind behind this song – Keisha! Only 17 years old, Keisha has captured the attention of many and garnered 12,000 followers on Instagram through her songwriting and singing skills. She debuted on The Underground Playful Palooza and Swiftly Rising, perhaps singing in front of a large crowd for the first time. Previous music reviews would note her growing confidence and style but also showed respect for her exceptional singing and songwriting skills.
Although I had never heard her sing live before, Ammonite might be one of her best songs! This song gives off major summer vibes, with the waves at the start and how this piece is composed. Although its style is similar to Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift and other artists, in the sense of how it sounds, its structure and singing style, it is refreshing to hear new styles of music appearing in Hong Kong, especially songs in English and other languages. Also, as an undergrad, it is always impressive and inspiring to see teenagers and younger people chasing their dreams and making full-blown music videos with good mixing and production.
Okay, with all this bias and personal rant out of the way, let’s switch to a more neutral and critical eyepiece to look at this fossil – “Ammonite”. Taking its name from a fossil, Ammonite has a simple chord progression and evokes a bright, laid-back atmosphere. Since there isn’t a bridge, the chord progression, with only slight variations, is simple and could be considered repetitive. Though the structure is not complicated, the way it follows more of a free-verse structure makes it harder to define the verse and the chorus. The production and mixing are pretty good, giving it its notable summer vibes and laid-back, cosy mood, though I might add that sometimes it feels slightly overpowering with everything going on. A little reduction in the volume should do the trick and give a lighter mood, as it might sound a bit strong.
In terms of lyrics, it evokes imagery, especially in later parts and conveys young love and passion. There are repetitions in the song, like “Encase me…” and “Go back…”, which although predictable, also makes it catchy and memorable. Looking at the lyrics only, I think they’re amazing on their own and could be compared with other pop songs in this time and age, and maybe even back in the day. “Ammonite” is an interesting word, since it could be used to convey something past, or something that is treasured and valued, both of which the writer used in the lyrics.
In conclusion, I would rate this song a solid 8 out of 10, with maybe some polishing on the tracks and slight adjustments here and there. I love the summer vibes it gives off, I think this song and Keisha have great potential, and I recommend everyone to listen to it and give her support and encouragement! The links to the song are here and Keisha’s Instagram account is here. With all this said and done, I wish all of you a great day and encourage you– yes, you– to chase your dreams and make songs, movies, clothes… whatever it is! As always, I’ll catch you on the flip side ;). Bye!
– Joshua
Ammonite can be heard on spotify, youtube and other streaming platforms.
