Single Review: Rianne Downey - Fuel to the Flame

Once again, we find ourselves shouting about another fresh talent to come straight out of Glasgow.

Rianne Downey is another young up and comer that has seen airtime on BBC Scotland, with her debut single ‘Fuel To The Flame’ sounding like it has been written by someone older and wiser than Downey and her 21 years.

There’s a hint of Americana and classic Hollywood glam to it. The acoustic intro holds a slightly folky tone, not unlike something you’d hear coming from America’s deep south.

The song holds many tropes about missed opportunities and trying to 'stay afloat'. The verses are slow and sultry, but the chorus picks up pace with the catchy lyrics: ’No one lives forever, time is slowly running out. Who will you remember, when the world comes falling down?’

Downey’s voice is stunning and does not need an elaborate, over-produced song to show it off. ‘Fuel To The Flame’ would lend itself just as well to the backroom of a Glasgow pub as it would to an audience-packed arena. 

She has said that the pandemic had an influence on this debut track. It is about standing up to those who drag you down and emerging all the better for it. Downey found a cult social media following in the early days of the Covid lockdowns, recording finger-picked covers in her bedroom that gained attention on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. 

She has proved she can take on well-known hits by The Stone Roses, Liam Gallagher and The Proclaimers. With her first original offering, Downey is certainly leaving her mark. 

Words: Bethany Lodge