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Sometimes, life has a way of making the things that you love seem a little more dull than usual. I’ve got to be honest and say that 2024 did not welcome me with open arms. On the contrary, it’s felt more like I’ve been one step behind everyone else, struggling not only to keep pace, but also to be motivated to try in the first place. Music has been a means of escape for me since the moment I could have anything worth remembering, and yet, this year, I’ve listened to less music than I think I ever have in my life. It’s been hard to grapple with–music is my life (not to be cliché). Or it was, at least. No, it still is, but I’ve had to remind myself over the last several months how to appreciate it again. I’ve had to be more intentional than ever to find new music and revisit old favorites. 

You’re probably wondering, is there a music review in here somewhere? I assure you, that is coming, but it felt really important to me to lay some background before I get into my thoughts about new music, because everything that I’ve just shared with you has really impacted the way that I feel about this release.

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If you’ve read almost anything else I’ve written for Daybreak or spoken with me in the last three years, it is quite likely that I’ve shared with you my insane love for Luke Hemmings. His debut album, When Facing the Things We Turn Away From, came out during a really challenging time in my life. Similarly, it seems his new music will be the soundtrack to this current life crisis. 

His first single, “Shakes,” is a walking-tempo pop song reminiscent of early Cage The Elephant (Come A Little Closer, anyone?). The dreamy synths and lush reverb are just a short departure from the sounds on his debut record. Still, Hemmings never strays too far away from live instruments, creating a background with a beautiful mix of analog and digital elements. 

Further still, he pushes his listeners with “Close My Eyes.” The up-tempo, alt-pop song seems to be heavily inspired by The Cure, incorporating classic 80’s soundings, synths, and drums. Hemmings also experiments with vocal effects and pitching in this song, clearly unafraid to try new things. This song has resonated with me the most out of the two releases. During interviews, Luke Hemmings talked about the passage of time and the supposed ending of his youth. Now that I am at the ripe old age of 26, I cannot help but relate. This song especially reminded me of why I love music so much in the first place. It’s kind of spooky how someone that you’ve never met before, and likely never will, can put so perfectly into words feelings that you yourself have been unable to describe. It’s comforting to be seen, to be known, and to be reminded that we are all human and all share similar feelings at one point or another. 

I don’t know how the rest of the year will go, but a few things that I do know for sure: Luke Hemming’s new EP, boy, will be released on April 26th; I am going to see him in concert on May 21st; and despite everything that is going on in our lives, music will always be there for us.