Nikki Miller: ICT

ICT

Location: http://nikkimiller.bandcamp.com/

Release status: Digital download only

Overall feelings: Positive

This brief, unassuming song opens with a few seconds of casual ukulele strumming, and then after a brief pause, the first verse kicks in. The lyrics are entertaining in their slightly sarcastic description of a lesson at school that the singer does not enjoy, and they make me smile despite the fact that ICT was not compulsory at my school, so I cannot quite empathise.

The artist is clearly talented at playing, although this does not show through to the full extent in this song – there is little emotion behind the vocals meaning that the pain of this boring lesson is not quite believable. Far more prominent is the artist’s gift for pop songwriting, with the chorus’ immediate vocal hook one that will stay with you for a long time to come. There’s also a hook in the main uke line that runs throughout the track, so despite its being acoustic, you’ll be nodding your head along by the end.

I could make the point that the song would be improved by changing up the melody or the ukulele chord sequence towards the end, but then again, at only 1 minute and 12 seconds the song doesn’t have a chance to get boring and is in no way overlong. Besides, it does mix things up during the final chorus, with the harmonised ‘aah’ vocals and the abrupt a cappella ending.  

Overall, this is a fun little song which has very little to dislike about it (including the cover art, which has a controlled carelessness reminiscent of Bowie’s ‘The Next Day’). However, as it is more of a novelty, it may not hold up to repeated listens, and as such I would be interested to see this artist try their hand at some more challenging arrangements and serious subject matter.