Manners McDade’s John Metcalfe Releases New Single ‘See Me Through’

Featuring Rosie Doonan on vocals, Ali Friend on bass, and Daisy Palmer on drums, ’See Me Through’ is the concluding track on John’s Metcalfe's album Absence and evokes memories of love, which provide the listener with a sense of strength to carry on with life, despite the setback of death.

The electro-classical track features a rich texture, combining a spectral piano effect with oscillating rhythms, whilst the vocals provide a sense of warmth within the track, despite the sombre setting. 

Commenting on the track, John said: "One aspect the music touches on is loneliness and our imagined conversations we have with people we have lost or become separated from. The film was created by Nathan Skeels and is inspired by the album’s cover image taken shortly after the war of a massed ballroom dance. It has a melancholy sway to it, of people dancing with strangers but also with memories of loved ones taken too soon."

When describing the full album, Absence (out on 21st September 2018 via Neue Meister), John explains “I’ve tried to leave things open for the listener, to own it more themselves.” Although he explains that “there’s always been tracks influenced by the death of my father,” Absence was born in the aftermath of a very different tragedy - a friend’s sudden, unexpected suicide. 

John approached his writing in a warmer, more comforting narrative in comparison with his previous works and provides the listener with a more uplifting perspective on the effect of death on others.

Originally from New Zealand, John is a British-based composer, arranger and violinist. His diverse skillset ranges from string quartet recitals in prestigious international venues to composing works for radio and TV, arranging for leading rock/pop artists as well as releasing his own original content. His latest album The Appearance Of Colour was described by Clash Music as "a euphoric outpouring after the ebb and flow of frenetic beats and claustrophobic ambient washes that have gone before, is one of several moments of magic on this increasingly affecting record."

Have a listen here: