GENRE; Indie Pop/ Rock Pop/ Indie Rock/
RELEASE DATE; 14 December, 2025
RATING; 3/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I came across Desert Flower at a time when a lot of new music feels heavy, so this track was a welcome change. It’s bright, relaxed, and genuinely uplifting without feeling lightweight. Fiona Amaka sounds comfortable here, like she’s enjoying the song as much as the listener is. There’s an openness to it that makes you want to keep listening, and once you know it was inspired by her daughter, the mood of the track clicks into place.
The sound sits somewhere between indie-pop and pop-rock, but it doesn’t lean hard into either. The production is neat without being overworked, and that works in the song’s favour. Recorded in London with producer Kitch and featuring David Taro on guitar and vocals, everything feels in sync. Nothing is fighting for attention. The rhythm moves easily, the melody sticks, and the whole thing flows in a way that feels natural rather than planned.
What stood out to me most is how “playable” this song feels. You can imagine it fitting into a live set without much adjustment, which isn’t always the case with studio tracks. Fiona’s been playing regularly around London this year, and you can hear that live confidence coming through. It feels like a song that’s already been tested in front of people and shaped by that experience.
Desert Flower doesn’t try to make a big statement, and that’s part of its charm. It’s simply a good song, made with care, and delivered without pretence. Fiona Amaka continues to show that she understands her sound and doesn’t need to overcomplicate it. This track feels like a moment of joy captured honestly — and sometimes that’s exactly what sticks.
