‘Summon’ catches you from the start. Heidi Curtis gives the song a driving, easy rock feel, with a direct appeal reminiscent of Bonnie Tyler and hints of Grace Potter. Its immediate pull is striking beside the uncertainty behind it: Heidi wrote about worrying whether she was being ‘too loud or too grand’ as a woman in music.
The contrast gives the single its character. The music arrives with confidence, while Heidi’s account of its creation describes the work involved in finding some. She says writing ‘Summon’ reminded her of a strength she had forgotten and encouraged her to make music with greater ferocity. The track’s lively approach makes her wish to be heard sound less distant.
Heidi has to call on courage when she needs it. It is a useful distinction after a summer of prominent live shows, including appearances alongside Florence + The Machine, Lewis Capaldi and Self Esteem. You might expect such stages to settle her doubts. Heidi’s explanation suggests they have stayed with her.
‘Summon’ follows her earlier EP, Hollow Heart, which arrived in May and included ‘Siren’ and ‘What Am I Missing?’. The single also announces another EP of the same name, due on 20th November via AWAL. For now, Heidi’s account of the title track offers a personal starting point.
The road to ‘Summon’
Craig Charles premiered the single on BBC Radio 6 Music ahead of its 24th September release. Heidi now has an October headline tour in view, following a spring run with Holly Humberstone and a busy summer supporting other artists. Those shows explain why her admission feels so pointed. Visibility and certainty do not necessarily arrive together.
The tour begins in Dublin on 13th October and reaches The Lexington in London on 19th October. It ends at The Grove in Newcastle, where the hometown show has sold out. She will take a song about questioning her own volume into rooms where people have come specifically to hear her.
‘Summon’ review
At points, the drums take on a firmer, repeated beat. Their insistence gives the track a physical push, while Heidi’s strong vocal holds your attention. She brings as much energy as the rhythm, so the song does not rely on its hook alone for impact. Her voice keeps this extra pressure connected to the subject of the song. The beat makes the track feel more urgent without losing its easy appeal.
The hook lands early, but the drums and vocal leave the deeper impression. They give Heidi’s account of doubt a musical answer without suggesting she has put every worry behind her. ‘Summon’ earns another play for its momentum. Heidi’s performance is what stays with you.
Listen to ‘Summon’ on Spotify. The EP is due on 20th November.
Tap Share, then Add to Home Screen.