Luke Seymoup – Judas (2020)
After performing in the New Wave group Miyazaki for over a decade, Australian singer-songwriter Luke Seymoup chose to embark on a solo career. Hailing from Melbourne (if you want a precise location in Australia), the talented artist released his first solo album The Professional. Followed up quickly by his well-received EPs Burnett Street and Uke Seymoup, Seymoup showcased his versatility ranging from ska to ukelele music. He released some more original material dabbling in pop-punk with underlying synths; however, we’re taking a look at his most recent release ‘Judas’.
Combining his talents with alt-rock singer Vetty Vials, Seymoup developed the split EP Vetmoup with ‘Judas’ as its second track (or that is what it comes up as in my Spotify). Produced during the Covid-19 lockdown, ‘Judas’ and Veymoup is the result of and online collaboration between an artist in Sydney and the other in Melbourne. What I find incredible is these collaborations sound as good as that recorded in-person at an official recording studio. Talent or just really good editing software? In this case, it’s talent.
Originally released as a song on Seymoup’s ukelele album Uke Seymoup, ‘Judas’ underwent some transformation to become the upbeat rock-inspired single we have here. Reminiscent of All American Rejects and Foo Fighters, ‘Judas’ has a buoyant, toe-tapping melody belying an intimate and poignant meaning. Dynamic guitars with pounding drums enhance the power of the melody, but it is Seymoup’s bold vocals that add the emotional intensity.
Similar to Tyson Ritter, Seymoup has a robust and rich tone to his voice that easily uplifts any listener. Thing is, the richness of his vocals also proffers a melancholic vulnerability and intimacy effortlessly captivating your heart. Built on a foundation of frustration and battling past mistakes, ‘Judas’ has a depth to it; however, the final chorus raises the tone with a twinge of sentimental honesty and optimism. It’s a bit of a mish-mash of emotion, but totally worth listening to (and possibly putting on repeat for several hours).
For more from Luke Seymoup check out his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
