By Joseph Lynch
Entitling your song “Love is a Fire” could appear as a declaration of something wildly grandiose or colossally tragic. On her new single, out today, Hels Pattison makes it her prerogative to do both.
The song is part of the EP “Missed Connections”, which is intended for release on November 6th, accompanied by a headline show at Pilgrim in Newcastle on the 8th. Keep that in mind when you’re having a “this would be class live” moment when you’re listening – there will be many.
The song is enticing throughout the runtime, exploring themes of insecurity and romantic complexities.
Enchantingly textured soundscapes floss through the track and coat the earthy aesthetic with something so pristine, like a mixture of Björk and The Smashing Pumpkins. Zachary Savage’s marvellous guitar work in particular ascends with Hels’ vocals, but never against them. It never feels like it is a competition with the vocals, nor does it feel like an afterthought. A true artistic hive piece.
The chorus however is the fullest realisation of the song’s central purpose. The equilibrium of emotional intelligence and folk inspiration, with Hels’ employing vocal inflections that command as much as they yearn.
Whilst it is grounded in its aforementioned influence, the song could very easily inhabit the season finale of a 2000s teen drama.
You can watch Hels playing at the Ship Isis in Sunderland on November 21st, a co-headlining show with alongside Glad Town Ghost.
Tickets are priced at £12 (+BF) available here
and listen here:
