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From other artists, the single could have had the potential to be ridiculous, yet, Dixon’s ability to fuse carefully considered instrumentation with humourous lyricism (“Me and the girlies gonna roll into the tavern / It's the big boots, chainmail kinda fashion”) immerses you in a medieval club night - where the clinking of goblets, sharing of wild gossip and dancing is soundtracked by sparkling harmonies, rhythmic drumbeat and a funky bassline.
With the rising popularity of queer fantasy books (especially on BookTok), ‘Knight Shift’ feels like a refreshing approach to pop music - relatable yet full of elves, fairies and knights “Rollin' with the witches and the elves and the trolls and the girls”. The track opens with cello from Amy Langley before a dance track drumbeat ups the pace, Dixon has balanced creating a playful track without sacrificing musicality.
Dixon has built a distinctive sound, gaining a reputation for authentic, sometimes bizarre, and relatable tracks. Dixon’s ownership of and commitment to this unique alt-pop sound world, inspired by others but firmly their own, feels reminiscent of Dodie’s ability to create such identifiable and recognisable music. Perhaps spurred on by becoming an independent artist, it seems Dixon is pushing the boundaries of alt-pop and having fun in the process.
Discussing ‘Knight Shift’, Dixon wrote on Instagram “I wrote this song as a bit of fun and wasn’t intending to release it” going on to say “I hope you all shake your hindquarters in taverns across the land”.
Allow yourself to embrace an escape from reality, accept your knighthood, pour a glass of mead and join the party. ‘Knight Shift’ by Ellie Dixon is out now.
Maisy Neale
Image: Nicole Ngai
