A Luminous RnB Homecoming Shaped by Vulnerability, Ambient Glow and Creative Resurrection –

DaniLeigh returns from a two-year silence with Expensive, a release that moves far beyond the idea of a comeback single. There are homecomings where artists rise from personal reckonings revived and creatively smouldering, and Expensive sits firmly in that territory. When she ended her hiatus, she broke the radio silence with a sound distinct from what her two million+ Spotify listeners came to expect from the RnB singer, songwriter, dancer and choreographer. Her new sense of comfort within vulnerability shines through the release, inviting listeners to acknowledge their own within the safe confines of the ethereal production. Influenced by meditative ambient mixes, pop, downtempo electronica and contemporary RnB, the track is underpinned by the lush luminescence first ushered into the cultural zeitgeist by RnB and soul artists in the 80s.

Nuanced emotion bleeds through Expensive in ways that instantly subvert your expectations. You may anticipate a track that sits at the altar of luxury, yet you are met with an aching allegory on how mini waves of grief are always coming to shore amidst the tsunamis and there are always prices to be paid to keep our heads above water. It is a release that holds space for many states at once, and whichever you are in when you hear the single, you will feel its resonance. The ambient shimmer gives each lyric a weight that carries long after the final refrain.

This return marks a pivotal moment in DaniLeigh’s story. After stepping into the industry as a dancer and choreographer and earning a key early nod from Prince, she rose quickly with tracks such as Easy gaining major traction. Her hiatus followed years of personal upheaval, including the loss of her father. Now signed to independent label Rebellion Records, she reenters the spotlight with a renewed perspective and a sound more emotionally revealing than ever.

Expensive is now available on all major streaming platforms via this link. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast