When one first listens to Causeway by Nina, featuring Ricky Wilde, it’s like stepping into a room where the past and present coexist in harmony. This track, taken from Nina’s third album, Scala Hearts, captures an experience—a journey through emotions and eras.
Nina, or Nina Boldt’s voice, is akin to a whisper from the heart, a call from a soul that’s seen love and loss. Each note seems to carry the weight of longing—a yearning for something or someone lost. The way she sings “I just hadn’t realised how much I miss you still” flows like a confession, a revelation.
Then there’s Ricky Wilde’s production. That takes us back to the 80s, but with a twist that’s all his own. The synthesisers, drum machines, and electric guitars don’t just recreate a bygone era; they reinvent it. It’s like Wilde is having a conversation with the past, bringing its essence into today’s world without losing its original spirit.
The lyrics talk about walking along a causeway, a metaphor for the journey of life and love. The words “absolutely beautiful / totally illogical” from the pre-chorus stand out. They’re a contradiction that makes perfect sense, capturing the essence of love’s irrational yet beautiful nature.
What makes Causeway special is how it balances nostalgia with freshness. It’s a nod to the 80s, sure, but it’s also something new. Nina and Wilde have managed to create a song that feels like a memory but sounds like a discovery.
Causeway is a fusion of emotion and music. For those who grew up with the sounds of the 80s, it’s a sweet reminder of the past. For new listeners, it’s an introduction to a sound that’s both old and new. It’s a rare piece that appeals to both nostalgia and novelty, making it a unique addition to the synthwave genre and to NINA’s already impressive repertoire.