Singer/songwriter Danny Groenland  returns with a new project burning rome, a 13-track body of work that explores the current state of affairs across the globe. From social and political turmoil, mass uprising, and climate change, economic meltdown and the never-ending rat race we are all stuck in, Groenland presents these topics as a reflection of the times and avails some interesting ideas on how to push through the madness. The album title is inspired by the famous quote, “Nero played while Rome burned,” and is underpinned by Groenland’s call to action using his artistic ability and genuine concern for mankind.

The project kicks off with “chip in,” a retro pop/soul ballad about contributing our quota as humans to save this world we live in from imploding. Lines like “It’s the air we breathe/and the birds and bees/and the glaciers/melting in our seas” detail the destruction of our natural habitat and end with a call to action in the chorus. Next is “runway” featuring singer/songwriter Senita, a mellow reflective tune that talks about the pressures put on working artists who try to have a peaceful work-life balance in an unforgiving world. Senita close it on the final verse and shares her experiences as an artist who has to not only make music but also promo content among other things to eke a living. This is followed by the previously released single “mr Loaded” and “olive trees” featuring Talha Wise Wolf. The former questions the capitalistic approach of the billionaires who run corporations at the expense of the common man, while the latter is an anti-war funky tune that lends its voice to the voiceless in the ongoing war in Palestine.

The production  on  burning rome, thus far, has been varied and while the live instrumentation is the foundation, Groenland’s inspiration traverses not only jazz, modern soul/R&B with experimental pop aesthetics. The jazzy vibes of “Work Out” add an extra emotional punch to the heartfelt topic of chasing our dreams and a reminder not to have regrets. The retro soul/ contemporary pop textures on the solemn “never going home” are melancholy in music form with lyrics like

“If we try we can remember

though the picture’s

fading over time

Of the ocean view

and the green in blue

and the sound of falling rain”

underscoring the nostalgia and emotional sadness. “This world is changing” talks about the ever-dynamic world we live in and the ongoing search for purpose and the comforting feeling of human connection. The singer takes us into the living city where one wrong decision would leave one singing “mister please/I’m down on my knees/you know I’ve got nowhere to go.“

Before the last two tracks, we get the piano-laden interlude “notions,” which helps set the tone for the tail end of the project with its reflective and solemn tones. Groenland teams up with Holly Periera on the lover’s anthem “world outside” and reprises the Senita assisted track “runway” with a radio edit. “world outside”  is a brilliant vocal duet that places Groenland’s expressive tone alongside Periera’s airy vocal runs, and together they ddliver a soul-stirring performance ripe with heartwarming lyrics about two lovers whose lives are properly aligned and are ready to face the world together as a force. Other notable tracks include “we can,” an uplifting track featuring kid singers Lottie and Kitty, who offer us some words of encouragement. The plucky licks of “beastly beast” add urgency to the warning as Groenland reminds us to stay safe on these mean streets, while the uplifting horns on “I go through something too” punctuate the human feeling of helplessness when things go sour, but also the other side of the coin when joy is felt through connection with that special someone.

Overall  burning rome is cohesive, insightful and hopeful. Regardless of the craziness it might present, the underlying message of hope for mankind remains and it’s a true reminder that art might and can help bring a long-lasting change in this world we live in.