In times of moral crisis, indifference becomes a betrayal — of the world, of our own selves. Silence cuts deeper than any scream. Creating music in such a moment feels like standing on the edge of despair, a half-mad attempt to reach out before the darkness closes in. Yet in these strange, restless sounds, a stubborn hope still flickers, the need to say something while there’s still time. But for Dublin-based soul artist Danny Groenland, the release of his new album “burning rome” is an attempt to pierce that veil of silence, to find a shared language amidst the chaos. The words of Nina Simone – that it is an artist’s duty to reflect the times in which they live -served as a catalyst and inspiration for Danny in creating this body of work. “I don’t know how else to get through to people, so this is my way,” the artist confesses.
This new album is Danny’s way of holding up a mirror to the world, without looking away from the flames. Prepare yourself for a truly special, musically rich spectrum of sound – music that not only provokes thought, but fills you with warmth and a desire to move. Inspired by the great legacy of soul legends Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, the album’s talented musicians infuse the tracks with the energy of funk and the elegance of jazz, layering lush horn arrangements and stirring background vocal harmonies throughout. The album features 13 tracks, opening with “chip in” – a vibrant introduction filled with refined, upbeat energy: mysterious guitars and restless, precise percussion welcome the listener with bold flair. The spirit of the track is defined by a dancing flute, smooth lead vocals, and crisp backing sections.
It’s followed by the atmospheric “runway (feat. Senita)”, offering a more dance-driven, electronic sound. The rhythm is particularly striking – and I’ll admit, it’s my personal favorite on the album. In contrast, the track “mr loaded” stands out with its bold basslines, velvety vocals, and punchy drum sections. Its sound is lively, multi-layered, and fluid in genre – a testament to the album’s dynamism and depth. The arrangements on “burning rome” are rich in detail – layered with background vocals, speech samples, and the uneasy hum of city streets. This creates a sense that the album’s world is at once deeply internal and intensely external – it sounds like the personal journal of a war correspondent.
Take, for example, the track “olive trees (feat. Talha Wise Wolf)”, which, in my view, represents a key moment on the album. It comes across as a sharply articulated diagnosis of the current state of affairs, while simultaneously offering a concrete plan of action. The driving drum rhythm, expressive horn sections, and confident vocal delivery elevate the album’s conceptual core, transforming it into a cohesive and impactful statement. Despite the weighty themes Danny addresses, the songs remain melodic, even tinged with optimism. In this context, I’d like to highlight the tracks “this world is changing,” “work out,” “never going home,” and “we can (feat. Lottie and Kitty).” In these songs, Danny Groenland skillfully blends vibrant instrumental textures with heartfelt vocal performances. They reflect a wide emotional spectrum – love, empathy, sorrow, fear – and most strikingly, hope, which likely served as the driving force behind this release.
The overarching concept of the album confronts themes that are often pushed to the margins: climate catastrophe, war, genocide, systemic inequality, mental health, racism, and police violence. The latter is especially palpable in the pulsing guitar groove of the track “beastly beast.” Despite the rhythm’s apparent steadiness, the track builds with a steadily rising inner tension, culminating in a stark, uncompromising gunshot at the end. This unexpected sonic twist adds a powerful emotional layer to the listening experience.
Across these themes, Danny expresses an act of resistance – there’s a clear effort to reach out, to awaken, to unite. In the spirit of Nina Simone’s words, the artist becomes a messenger of his time, and music becomes a weapon of solidarity. Whether it’s the vivid instrumental and vocal interplay on “somewhere,” the graceful delivery of “i go through something too,” or the piano-driven interlude “notions,” there’s something deeper running through it all – a sincere attempt to awaken in the listener that spark which might just be the beginning of change. Danny reserved one of the album’s most melancholic songs for the finale: “world outside (feat. Holly Poreira).” Tender and emotionally rich, with soulful vocals and orchestral melodies, it leaves a lingering trail of sadness, reflection, and a deep contemplation of everything that’s come before.
The album “burning rome” touches on vital themes that concern us all – and it does so with both intensity and grace. There are artists who approach their craft with professionalism and depth – and Danny Groenland is one of them. With “burning rome, “he offers music that serves as an open textbook, a moment of rest, and a source of joy. While meditating on the world’s pain, he exposes its root cause: a predatory economic system in which human lives and nature are treated as disposable resources. In this release, Danny brings together seriousness, romance, conviction, reflection, and deep humanism. Danny Groenland celebrates his new album ‘burning rome’ by bringing his 10-piece band to the Sugar Club this May 9th.
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