Daniel Netz – To The Valley Below (2021)
With the intensity of Joni Mitchell and the melodic soulfulness of Lana Del Ray, Daniel Netz oozes raw honesty in her soul-stirring music. Hailing from Israel, Tel Aviv to be exact, the raven-haired beauty incorporates her unique culture in a folk-pop form. Despite her sophisticated tone, Netz is rather new to the music scene with only one single to her name. We have the honour of reviewing her debut track ‘To The Valley Below’.
Taken from her upcoming debut EP It’s all in your mind, ‘To The Valley Below’ is an enchanting sonic swirl with a hazy ambience. Merging classic acoustic-influenced folk styles with contemporary pop ballads, Netz showcases her versatility and innovativeness as an artist. Retaining prominence, the acoustic guitar takes the lead in this heartfelt track; however, the interspersed crescendos enhance a sense of haunting within a kaleidoscopic soundscape.
Yes, the guitar-laden arrangement certainly lays the foundation for youthful whimsy, but it is Daniel Netz’s vocals that add a “twinkling sensation”. With melancholic lyricism, Netz adds depth to ‘To The Valley Below’ that transcends the lighthearted melody. Her beguiling vocals are reminiscent of Lana Del Rey, but there is an intimacy similar to Leonard Cohen throughout the track. A personal narrative exploring issues of anxiety, ‘To The Valley Below’ is poignant but there is a lingering nostalgia to the reflective song.
“In this moment of uncertainty, I’ve pained a better place for myself. A burden free, pure utopian world. No sadness nor fear, not even happiness. A clean slate. As human beings, we are capable of creating our own idea of reality, our own personal interpretation. It’s about changing perspective, realising that the only true human power is the power of choice.” – Daniel Netz on ‘To The Valley Below’
In addition to the debut single, Daniel Netz released an official music video for ‘To The Valley Below’. Easily placed on the Hallmark channel alongside avant-garde films from the 70s, ‘To The Valley Below’ is a dip into the mind of the protagonist. Directed by Alon Daniel, the video cuts from different scenes imitating optimistic memories in the reflective song. The sense of self-discovery is elegantly portrayed by the breeze flowing through Netz’s hair and clothing adding a calming, languid style to the introspective ambience. Overall, I find the song and video extremely pleasant with memorable infectiousness.
For more from Daniel Netz check out her Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
