Nell Mescal is a young Irish born singer, with a very musical background. Whilst she has a famous brother in Paul Mescal, she is very much making her own name as an artist. With her debut releases earlier this year already gaining her critical acclaim, it is probably fair to say that she will continue to be involved in the music business for many years to come. 

In My Head paints a detailed picture that suggests a really sad situation and one that Nell Mescal is really struggling to get through. At the beginning we get this real sense of loss from a partner who is no longer there, and the story then takes us on a journey of how the memories are affecting her in the here and now. The phrase In My Head refers to the torment of this loss that this is bringing into her life. The detail and storytelling of this song are excellent and you are hooked on every word. 

There is a distinctive pattern emerging in new releases that suggest that a song follows the formula of a soft one instrument first section. In my Head is no exception to this, with a repeated melody line setting the scene for the duration. However, in this case I think this is essential because it is the words that really get you and this set up to the song is helpful. If you compare the first few bars to the last, there is a significant difference in texture. The production builds layers and layers throughout to the extent that at some points it is hard to hear the vocal line. But the way in which the composition is crafted allows us to clearly hear a song that is going to be a powerful backdrop to many of Nell Mescal’s fans.

Author: Phil Arnold

Phil Arnold is a musician, producer and music reviewer from Devon, in the South West of England. Whilst not writing music reviews, Phil also writes and records under the name of Ugbrooke.