Hugo Chastanet – I Walk A Mile (2024)
From his acoustic folk-inspired 2020 album, Dix chansons naturelles et sauvages, to indie-rock ‘From The Trees’ in 2024, singer-songwriter Hugo Chastanet is soothing and laidback, but with profound depth woven into his songs. This is my introduction to the French singer-songwriter, but he has been turning heads internationally for years. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘I Walk A Mile’.
Following the well-received single ‘From The Trees’, ‘I Walk A Mile’ is the second single from Chastanet’s upcoming album From The Trees (set for release in February 2025). Retaining the soothing tone of his previous work, ‘I Walk A Mile’ is a gentle sonic embrace as Chastanet holds your hand to navigate the melody. Yet, while there remains a tinge of folk in the track, it lilts to vintage indie-rock. Penned and produced by Chastanet with mixing/mastering by Renaud Houben, a raw intimacy oozes from ‘I Walk A Mile’; however, just as there is naïve charm, sophistication and elegance bind the overall composition.
A bold bass melds with dynamic drums, and a soaring guitar carries the song embodying an enigmatic rush of beautiful music. The thing is, just as there is a palpable vibrancy to ‘I Walk A Mile’, its sweet flow hints at something airier, lighter, and whimsical. Chastanet’s rich vocals slide along the moving melody, but a hint of melancholy breaks forth in the lyricism. Described as “…words to summon the musical imagery of The Wizard of Oz, but also the disturbing prose of Stephen King…”, ‘I Walk A Mile’ is delightful with a darker underbelly.
As I mentioned, this is my introduction to Hugo Chastanet, and I have but one complaint about ‘I Walk A Mile’ – it’s far too short! Standing at 2:47 minutes, a listener will enjoy the melodic tune, but as quickly as you fall in love with ‘I Walk A Mile’, the song is snatched away. Highly recommended, I’ll be sure to have this track on repeat and cannot wait for Chastanet’s upcoming album.
In addition to the single, Hugo Chastanet released an official music video for ‘I Walk A Mile’. You can view the video below or on Hot Puma Records’ YouTube channel.
Find out more about Hugo Chastanet on his Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
Listen to more indie-rock on The Other Side Reviews Indie Rock playlist:
