From the sparse atmospheric opening, through the huge bass drop that sees this track burst into life, the debut single from Stranger twists and builds, drawing you in and tangling you up in its rich layers.

 

The artist formerly known as Nikki Murray comes with a significant musical pedigree having starred as a session musician and toured with the likes of James Blunt and Leona Lewis. However, he’s never made a secret of his desire to pursue his solo interests and it’s to Murray’s credit that he’s pulled back from releasing earlier recordings that didn’t accurately portray what his music is about.

 

With It Means So Much he’s confident he’s hit the nail on the head and it’s not hard to see why. Revolving round an incredibly infectious hook, Nikki successfully splits genres and carves out his own style; it’s a guitar track but when that chorus drops, it wouldn’t be out of place at any club night.

 

It might have been a long time coming but as the track says, ‘I’m finally breaking through’. On this evidence there should be no stopping him.