Declan Mckenna Leaves Expectations Behind on “Nothing Works”

Devin Dunlap

English singer-songwriter Declan McKenna has returned after two years with his newest single, “Nothing Works.” The track is the second single from McKenna’s upcoming album What Happened to the Beach? “Nothing Works” shows another side of McKenna and proves why he has been a constant in the modern indie music space.  

Photo by Henry Pearce

Compared to the lead single “Sympathy” and its wonderfully joyous and sugary sweet tone, “Nothing Works” is an aggressive, loud, and adventurous indie bop with splashes of alternative rock. The track’s dark tone can be found in the clear bass chords and quick drum beat. Choosing such starkly different singles highlights the artist’s unique and wide range.

McKenna is known to write both personally and politically thought-provoking lyrics to his indie hits. With this tune, the singer-songwriter discusses his frustration with trying to live up to society’s standards. The artist proclaims that no matter how hard he tries to satisfy those constructs, nothing works. The track’s statement of individuality is unique as it crosses into his political and personal lyrical styles.

“Nothing Works” is the latest single from McKenna’s third studio album. His upcoming album What Happened to the Beach? arriving February 9th is sure to exceed expectations from the artist. Mckenna is taking all these songs on the road with the third leg of his big return with a North American tour kicking off on September 27th.

Listen here!