We already praised Filip Dahl a great deal on our pages, even describing his musicianship as “absolutely phenomenal, easy to see why Dahl is so highly thought of in the guitar world”. At the time, we were writing about ‘I Still See You’, an evocative, anthemic piece with elegant guitar playing. Now, the Norwegian talent returns with ‘If You Saw Me Now, an elegant, poignant ballad that’s incredibly nuanced and eclectic.
Built over a slow-paced, lyrics-focused instrumental, ‘If You Saw Me Now’ is the perfect example of Dahl’s ability to put his virtuosity aside, instead favouring the overall message and the song’s relatable character. It’s a balance that works well: using his earthy, deep vocals, Filip shares a tale of fragility and resilience, delving into the intricacy of mental health and the stigma around them.
Dahl’s signature stunning guitar solos return in the outro, where a vintage tone helps the Norwegian musician deliver technical, yet melodic and meaningful phrasing. Speaking about the inspiration behind the record, he explains: “Writing the lyrics turned out to become a very honest and personal process for me, as it focuses on something that many of us might not want to talk so openly about. I am convinced that everyone will experience moments in life that evoke despair, anxiety and fear.”
Recommended! Discover ‘If You Saw Me Now’ on Spotify and YouTube:
