Luke Hemmings Creates a Melancholy Masterpiece in His New EP, boy
Written by: Mikaila Storrs
Luke Hemmings has once again captivated listeners with his latest EP, 'boy.' Seamlessly blending a range of sonic elements, Hemmings explores the profound transition from youth to adulthood. He describes the EP as akin to flipping through the pages of his diary, with each song representing a different moment or realization along his journey. This reflective approach gives 'boy' a deeply personal and relatable quality, especially for those undergoing similar transitions. As someone approaching the end of her early twenties, this EP resonates deeply with me, echoing the sentiments and experiences of navigating this pivotal time in life.
Each of the seven songs on the EP is accompanied by a visualizer, creating a cohesive visual narrative that immerses listeners in Luke Hemmings' world. The visuals transport you to the various places Hemmings found himself in while writing the EP—on planes, trains, in hotel rooms, and more. During this period of constant travel, Hemmings grappled with feelings of loneliness despite being surrounded by people. He also observed those around him moving forward in their lives, whether through marriage, starting families, or other significant milestones. This led him to confront his own past decisions and embrace the transition into full-fledged adulthood. The visual aspect of the EP adds another layer to the storytelling, enhancing the listener's understanding of Hemmings' journey and mindset during this transformative period.
While I could delve into each track, I'll focus on a few favorites from the EP. Currently, I have two songs on constant rotation: "I'm Still Your Boy” and "Promises.” These tracks have resonated with me deeply after spending some time with the EP. I also want to give an honorable mention to "Close My Eyes," a song I've previously written about and still holds a special place among my favorites.
In "I'm Still Your Boy," Luke delves into his past mistakes with raw and personal lyrics, opening up to his fans in a vulnerable way. He reflects on his past partying days, expressing regret with lines like “I can't have tequila without half a gram.” Hemmings conveys a longing to go back in time to advise his younger self that things will improve, a sentiment many can relate to. The pre-choruses explore the aftermath of his decisions, acknowledging the pain and emptiness they caused, particularly to those he cared about, “It was alright before I got angry, made a fist-holed shape in the wall. It was alright before I got empty, made a mess of the room in your heart.” Despite his regrets, Hemmings reassures the listener throughout the song that, despite his flaws and missteps, he remains steadfast in their affection, proclaiming, “I'm still your boy.”
"Promises" is a poignant love song that appears to reflect Luke Hemmings' journey falling in love with his wife. The lyrics hint at a potentially turbulent period in his life, during which she provided him with comfort. It's evident that she challenged him on his partying lifestyle and the choices he was making, which prompted him to recognize her as a source of stability and home. Hemmings expresses a deep need to remain with her. One of the most striking lines in the song is “I wasn't always a cynic, It's just I've been bought and sold,” which poignantly addresses the challenges of the music industry. Despite this, he acknowledges that she still saw the light in him, understanding the industry's struggles. The final lines of the song are what really touch me when he says “I guess I just feel better around you.” He has found his home in a person which is what everyone is seeking in their life in some way or another to feel understood.
As I mentioned before, another favorite of mine is "Close My Eyes." In a previous review, I discussed how Luke expresses a reluctance to embrace the inevitability of growing up, avoiding the introspection required to confront his past mistakes. He is hesitant to close his eyes and relive every decision he's ever made, fearing they will play in his mind like a TV loop. This sentiment resonates with anyone who struggles with anxiety, as it captures the tendency to overanalyze past actions and words, dissecting them endlessly.
My favorite thing about Luke’s solo music is how vulnerable he is and I don’t know if he truly realizes how many people it resonates with, but the things he touches on are definitely a universal experience for most people. I can’t wait to see these songs performed on the road at his “Nostalgia For a Time That Never Existed Tour.”
