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A colorful world of vibrant light, warm harmonies and a kaleidoscope of imagined shapes is just one of the many reactions to the new hit “Kick It In The Shadows” from Rhode Island’s singer/songwriter Lainey Dionne. Despite the inference from the word ‘shadows’ that the tones and the theme will be in the darkness, “Kick It In The Shadows” opens an entirely new, freeing soundscape. Dionne, a singer with zest and just the right amount of spunk, is rapidly asserting her new album, Self-Titled, into the mainstream. And I’m loving it.
The gist of “Kick It In The Shadows” is a group of friends meeting up after curfew, at the magic hour that is midnight. They dance in circles under the streetlights, they search for what they feed their appetites. There’s something so innocent about it all. They have found their tribe – they aren’t worried about cliques or naysayers. I loved the joy in Dionne’s voice. I suppose she sounds a bit like Taylor Swift meets Tyler Glenn (Neon Trees) riding in tandem with Dolly Parton and Avril Lavigne. Far be it for me to say she has twang in her voice, but Dionne certainly has a twinkle. She commands your attention and cuddles your listening pathway with warmth. I wanted to be a part of this group. Come alive at midnight she sings, as though this group has been waiting in anticipation all day long to be with their crew. The listener shares that energy, that zest is building up, too. We’re right as hell where we belong, she enthusiastically sings. You can almost picture her raising her hands in jubilation.
The backing music has a great tempo – a spark plug generating the movement. I found myself toe-tapping along and found it so refreshing to hear a beat that doesn’t give you the downer vibes. I felt alive listening to this song. I think another interpretation of this song is that everyone is welcome with this friend group, and they are just about being supportive and positive. Perhaps this a nod to the often bitter and certainly bullying, social media landscape. I think, too, as an artist, Dionne is comfortable in her own skin and grateful for the friendships she’s forged. This is an anthem to the fans that have entered her little bubble. She ignites that envy – but in a good way. Everyone is welcome to this party.
Self-Titled is filled with hits – and “Kick It In The Shadows” is one of the standouts. I’m convinced this track is prime-time ready. It has all the ingredients of a killer pop song – great beat, catchy chorus and a star at the helm. Dionne motivates us all to do better about being inclusive and friendly. Or maybe she’s just reminding us that there’s still a kid in all of us that deserves to enjoy Mother Nature on a warm, summer night and soak in all the friend time we can. Life’s too short to care what other people think of our dancing in the dark – go “Kick It In The Shadows”
by Jennifer Munoz
