Fiona Amaka’s latest single, “Cowards and Shadows”, is an art-house indie-rock gem that manages to feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Released as her second new track of 2025, it’s already making waves across her socials—listeners have even drawn comparisons to the stylings of David Bowie, a nod Amaka accepts with equal parts humility and delight.
The spark for “Cowards and Shadows” came from a recurring theme in conversations and everyday observations: ghosting. Once a term used mainly in dating culture, ghosting has now seeped into every corner of modern life—from friendships to professional opportunities like job hunting.
Rather than tackling the subject with bitterness, Amaka’s songwriting explores the emotional weight of being left without closure, turning a frustrating modern phenomenon into something poetic and resonant.
Before recording the song, Amaka began performing an early version at acoustic open mics. She was struck by how quickly audiences connected with its theme, singing along and sharing their own stories. That response cemented her decision to bring the track into the studio.
Recorded in London with producer and guitarist Andy Zanini, “Cowards and Shadows” has an atmospheric, almost cinematic quality. The guitar work feels understated yet deliberate, weaving through the song with a mix of grit and melancholy. The arrangement builds subtly, allowing Amaka’s voice—and the raw emotion behind her lyrics—to take center stage.
It’s easy to hear why some listeners have picked up on the Bowie-esque influence. There’s a certain theatricality in the delivery, coupled with an art-rock sensibility that refuses to follow formula. The song balances introspection with a driving indie-rock pulse, giving it both emotional depth and replay value.
While the recorded version captures the song’s layered artistry, “Cowards and Shadows” is poised to take on new life in a live setting. Fiona Amaka and her band have had a packed year gigging around London, feeding off the energy of intimate venues and festival crowds alike.
Fans will get the chance to experience it live at the Camden Weekender Festival on 30 August, where it’s sure to be one of the set’s emotional highlights. Given the song’s origin story, it will be a powerful moment to see it performed in front of a festival audience.
“Cowards and Shadows” resonates because it doesn’t shy away from the messy reality of human disconnection. By framing ghosting not as a passing trend but as a symptom of deeper social shifts, Amaka taps into something both timely and timeless. Her ability to blend thoughtful lyricism with a compelling indie-rock sound makes this track a standout in her growing catalog.
A moody, Bowie-tinged reflection on modern-day vanishing acts, “Cowards and Shadows” proves Fiona Amaka’s talent for transforming lived experience into art that lingers long after the final note.
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