Dear ADHD – Heidi Vincent (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

One of the great things about the modern age is a sense of openness, perhaps even enlightenment. I know that such an attitude is a double-edged sword, and the flip side of it can be pretty dark and unpleasant, but it does mean that we are having frank and open conversations about aspects of life that would have been taboo in the past. Even in art forms such as music, such discussions would have been coded, revelling in metaphor and secrecy. Thankfully, now we can talk about the things that affect us without shying away from the heart of the problem.

So the idea of an artist writing a love song to her ADHD condition seems a glorious use of that new-found debating ground. Over a gentle and slightly understated sonic slice of rootsy-pop, she delivers an anthem for all those who have ever felt misunderstood or undervalued due to such conditions. Of course, with all such poignant songs, the lyrics stand as the focal point, and the more minimalist and spacious musical structure she builds behind those words makes for a perfect frame for the message to be delivered.

I always say that if you have been given a platform to reach out to people, such as the one afforded by music, then it seems a waste if you get to stand before the masses and find that you have nothing to say, nothing to deliver except the same old style over substance. What is so great about Heidi Vincent is that she can provide both style and substance and more, such as poignancy and depth, the chance to open meaningful conversation, to express how people struggling with certain mental burdens truly feel beyond the usual platitudes and cliches and to be a voice for those who recognise themselves in her lyrics.

Now, that is what I call a good use of the platform she has worked hard to gain access to; not only does she speak for many sufferers who have remained silent for far too long, but perhaps she will be the inspiration for even more creatives to explore the human condition through their art. How cool would that be?