Painkiller is London based pop artist Nicola Høie’s newest single. Already building a good foundation in the music industry, Nicola is back to make it even stronger, with this being the first track of 2026 for her, and also her first track in a couple of years. It’s a remarkable return that sets up what will probably be an amazing year for her.
Painkiller only plays for just a little over the two minute mark, which doesn’t give you very long with the track at all. However, the chilled pacing gives it a slightly lengthier feel, slowing everything down a bit, which is exactly what you need with a track that sounds this good.
The production value on the song is quite murky, almost underwater sounding, which is an interesting sound. It gives it a more modern feel but quite interestingly also a nostalgic feel simply because it sounds like a lot of tracks produced in the mid 2010’s. The guitar in it is choppy and short, with a distant atmosphere to it, which gives it some oomph against the overall relaxed instrumentals.
The vocals on Painkiller are insane. The pre chorus has power and emphasis behind it, a great hook before launching into the chorus, where the vocals are higher pitched. This makes it more emotional, like a voice crack from the effort injected into the track. The backing vocals that appear are equally as great, serving to give depth and layering and making the song what it is.
Painkiller has a simplicity about it, just lyrics over instruments, nothing really differing, nothing overly fancy attempted. Because it doesn’t need it. In the two minutes you have with it, you hear everything that makes the track brilliant, a haunting, ethereal piece that is catchy and memorable. Nicola Høie has smashed this one out the park.
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