After placing ninth in the seventh series of the X-Factor, Aiden Grimshaw releases his debut single ‘Is This Love’, a track that acts as a pleasant surprise to both those familiar and unfamiliar with his appearance on the reality TV show. ‘Is This Love’ begins as it means to continue, with a blend of epic pop instruments and a quick-paced drum-beat, before adding in Grimshaw’s beautiful soaring voice. He creates a charged atmosphere, singing of his internal battles, hopelessness, and of toxic relationships.
However, what makes this song so great is it’s multiple layers for I have listened to it so many times on repeat and each time discover a new element to it. Whether it be the strong yet always searching drum-beat, the twinkling keyboard chords, the sad flight of Grimshaw’s voice, or the pop dubstep twinges prevalent in the chorus.
Aiden Grimshaw was the secret support act for Niki & The Dove when they recently performed at the Joiners and, if the material he played is an indication of things to come, his upcoming debut album Misty Eye could prove to be one of the albums of the year.
6/10
