Alutepena Hughes-John – Platonic (2024)
With bold sassiness and a smile to die for, singer-songwriter Alutepena Hughes-John intoxicates listeners with her style and sound. Previously the lead vocalist of the band Anthroppic and Lethia’s Natorium, Hughes-John is the “crazy ukelele lady” you never knew you needed and now you don’t want to ignore. Embarking on a solo project – well, sort of, given the consistent performance of session musicians Max Read (guitar, bass and keyboard) and Karl Thompson (drums) – the UK-based songstress carves a niche for herself in the UK music scene with a ska-influenced style. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Platonic’.
Recorded and produced by Max Read at Northampton’s The Lodge Recording Studio, ‘Platonic’ is a song that has undergone several facelifts. Originally penned and recorded in 2008 as one of the songs for Anthroppic, ‘Platonic’ leaned toward a retro-pop meets 80s rock theme; however, its new incarnation delves further into ska with a two-tone vibe. Hughes-John notes that the drift toward two-tone was not intentional but her playing the ukelele in this version veered it toward the nostalgic sound.
Following her 2021 single ‘Without A Care’, ‘Platonic’ is Hughes-John’s return to the streaming world after a three-year hiatus. Shifting from a folk-rock meets indie-pop style in ‘Without A Care’, ‘Platonic’ highlights an evolution in sound. Underlying a pop-rock tone with a toe-tapping reggae beat, you feel yourself sway to the new single. Read’s guitar and bass meld with Hughes-John’s electric ukelele while Thompson holds the beat with his bold drums. Interestingly, while the melody is charming and smile-inducing, there is a juxtaposition between the laidback tune and the poignant theme of “unrequited love”.
The melody is sensational captivating our hearts in a warm kaleidoscopic embrace; however, it is Hughes-John’s vocals that up the ante. Smooth and tender, her delicate voice twirls about in whimsical carefree humour. Yet, as the elegant vocals whisper above with wistful abandon, there is a darker, sinister, more complex bite lingering beneath. Bold and sincere but simultaneously a gritty raw execution will have you gasping for breath.
In addition to the single, Alutepena Hughes-John released an official music video for ‘Platonic’. You can view the video below or on her YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Alutepena Hughes-John on her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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