Emily

Hyde Away

Single Review

Written by Luke Knowles

Over the last few months I’ve noticed a rise in bands embracing the nostalgic charm of 60’s and early 70’s pop and rock ’n’ roll. Whether its through chord phrasings, vocal patterns, or even equipment during recording, this seems to be trend catching on across the entire industry. So when I hit play on the very much eagerly anticipated new single from Bishop Stortford based Hyde Away I wasn’t surprised to hear a hint of this trends influence on the track. ‘Emily’, while being a departure from the more Indie Pop influence of ‘Deceiver’ is still a shining example of this bands raw musical talent and songwriting ability.

With the wistful theme of a one way romance told from the broken hearted prospective of a our protagonist the choice to embrace a very, Pet Shop Boys meets The Kooks while hitchhiking with a barber shop quartet sound, is the perfect marriage of subject and medium. Every note is delivered with subtly and purpose. Every vocal arch and dip eased into like a comfortable pair of pyjamas. Each instrument is polished and played with a confident ease that injects a cold rush of relaxation into each note. Even the use of a slight crackle at the opening few bars of the song add a pitch of nostalgia and warmth to bitter sweet words.

A stand out device on this track is beautifully timed harmonies and smooth vocal line that guides the song from start to finish. Notably as the chorus kicks in with the titular “….Emily, what have you don’t to me?….” the lead vocals take on a hopefulness desperation that fill your heart with compassion and pity for this poor person. I swear, yo usan almsot hear the heartbreaking as the song pushes forwards. There is then a little bit of musical magic as the song moves up a key in true quartet fashion and the rich multi layered harmony pattern follows the rise and fall to bring the song to the most bitter sweet ending it could have achieved. This even in someways highlights the misguided hope the protagonist might still have for his relationship but that just might be me.

Overall ‘Emily’ is a song that shows Hyde Away as being more than just another Indie Pop offering from the south of England. While they have still retained the catchy hooks and tell tale guitar work of their former glories. With ‘Emily’ they have truly flexed their emotional reach in regards to songwriting and their ability to make their listeners feel something deep within themselves. I very much look forward to what this musical collective will turn out next.

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