This second single from Nancy Elizabeth’s debut album, Battle And Victory, is deliciously atmospheric; a crescendo of acoustic strums, echoing, minimal drum, and Celtic influences. There are similarities to Tori Amos in the way Nancy’s angelic vocal trips along high in the mix while the music below becomes increasingly foreboding, but Nancy’s accent grounds ‘I Used To Try’ very much in her homeland, evoking English folk music as it voyages back into the past.
It’s damn impressive stuff, built not on a huge chorus but a single lyrical hook, which keeps it sounding fresh and pregnant with secrets. The same can be said for B-side ‘In The Morning’ - a more delicate vocal and piano track where you can even hear her depressing the damper pedal. On this evidence, the album (review) is well worth a look.
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7Mike Haydock's Score