Song Review: KISS OF LIFE – Countdown (Belle Solo)

While Natty took down the nostalgia lane by performing a faithful throwback to 90s RnB, main vocalist Belle took a more modern approach with her solo with a pop-punk song. I’ll admit, the song has more bite than I first thought.

Just as thebiaslist says, the song only improves at it goes on. The first verse was of little interest, and I feel it is a bit of missed potential considering where the song goes after. The beat drop in the chorus felt utterly satisfying, the melodies cycling through around the beat in a way that feels natural and effortless. The pop-punk influences were quite apparent. I hear a bit of Avril Lavigne actually, and I’d consider it to be quite the compliment. Belle has a way of enunciating the lyrics that gives it a ‘sticky’ quality, though the melody itself could use more development.

It is almost painful how much more dynamic the second verse is compared to the first. I understand the need to ‘go on a journey’ with the song, but it remained stagnant for too long. The second verse was wholly quite a joy to listen to, bringing more heavy percussion that really lifts the song up. By the time we get to the bridge with the distorted and spunky rock guitar, I think to myself that the song is quite a success overall, even if doesn’t fully live up to its potential.

I’m not sure if I’m fully convinced by Belle’s vocal delivery. Given that she is the main vocalist, I expected a more refined technique from her, especially when she sings the higher notes, where she ends up sounding thin. A song of this style usually is sung by voices with a lot of grit and texture, power, or both. I don’t think Belle’s delivery was able to fully capture the spunk of this song, though she did have some good moments. I’m looking forward to how she improves over the years and her future vocal performances within a group context as I do believe she has potential, and perhaps when she does release another solo, her delivery will feel more matured and refined.

Overall, while I think ‘Sugarcoat’ is stronger, ‘Countdown’, is a commendable attempt at a modern solo song with noticeably spunky production. It was not able to realise its full potential, but it does not seem half-baked nevertheless.

Hooks – 8
Production – 9
Vocal Delivery – 8
Overall – 8.25