In “Closure (All I Want Is)”, Brannen examines the challenging balance between staying and moving on, with the track being an introspective melodic-house piece centred on a feeling that is almost universally recognisable—namely, the desire for answers in the face of something that has not been properly concluded. This need for closure can remain with a person long after the event itself has occurred, no matter whether it stems from a relationship, a memory that is fading, or a life phase that came to an end without any explanation. The uncertainty involved is reflected in the title, which has both a personal and direct quality, while “All I Want Is” gives the song an extra element of yearning. The single is in D minor and continues Brannen’s method of creating electronic music by combining atmosphere, melody, and emotional depth rather than depending solely on energy. Because of its open-ended nature, the song allows listeners to project their own experiences onto it, so that it doesn’t come across as a narrative with a definite ending but instead as a reflection on the questions we all carry with us.
Brannen, who is Scottish and works as a musician, producer and drummer, has more than twenty years’ worth of musical experience to draw on in the development of his electronic style. The fact that he has been behind the drums gives him a natural grasp of rhythm, and his experience as a producer enables him to delve into the more delicate aspects of dance music, a genre in which melodic development and a carefully crafted atmosphere can convey just as much as lyrics do. His first single, “Tulips”, presented this musical identity to the independent music press, to radio stations and to curators, and received praise for its immersive sound and well-judged pacing. The song has also received over 2,000 Spotify streams, which represents an encouraging early achievement for the project. He then released “Keep Dancing With Me”, a melodic-house track focused on living in the moment, with vocals recorded by Brian Hurren and mixed and mastered by Jack Wiles at Moonshift Audio. Taken together, these recordings show an artist who is establishing a consistent musical identity, managing to combine the kind of movement that is typical of house music with a more reflective and human element. “Closure (All I Want Is)” carries on from there, shifting its focus from the freedom of the present moment to the emotional significance of what remains unresolved.
The appeal of Brannen’s most recent release lies in the contrast between the natural progression of electronic music and the sensation of being mentally trapped in the past. Although melodic house music can be uplifting, hypnotic or suitable for the dancefloor, it can also provide room for quieter emotions to emerge. The concept of “Closure (All I Want Is)” fits well within that area, employing a simple theme to look at something more complex underneath the surface. Closure isn’t always something that another person can give, and at times moving on involves accepting that some questions may never be answered. This kind of tension gives the track a foundation that is easy for people to relate to and helps to reinforce Brannen’s increasing reputation for producing music that is emotionally driven. After the initial interest generated by “Tulips” and the more present-oriented approach of “Keep Dancing With Me”, this single adds a new dimension to his discography. Brannen is gradually developing a sound that places equal importance on feeling as it does on rhythm, producing electronic music that is suitable for listening in headphones, for a late-night drive or in an intimate DJ set while leaving the listener with something to ponder after the last note has faded.
“Sometimes advancing involves learning to live with questions which never reached an answer.”
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