Indie-music really is something of its own.
By definition, Indie-music is “Independent Music” that often means music which has been created outside of major record labels with a DIY approach being taken. Of course, our modern day perception of Indie music focuses primarily around guitars and guitar bands, despite the vast ranges of style that can be seen across the genre consisting of the likes of The Smiths to Two Door Cinema Club.
In the case of Adam Thomas Hughes, his upcoming release “Left Behind (Kid)” which is set to be unveiled on May 9th, leans more towards the inspiration of artists such as Catfish and the Bottlemen, Sam Fender and the K’s. A tom driven drum beat is what gets the ball rolling, soon to be followed by the cacophony of guitar which comes clambering in as Adam’s vocal begin to unfold. The influences are very clear from the get go as they have all undoubtably played their own part in tinkering with the overall product of “Left Behind (Kid)” as the chorus begins to flow in, clearly being the standout aspect of the song.
It’s catchy and upbeat, carrying many of the necessary qualities to fit the quota of the bands it has clearly drawn influence from. I think this results in the quite steady verses being brushed over slightly as the chorus clearly takes the main focus, feeling as though in a way it is what the song ultimately is orientated over. Again, this clearly heavily follows the conventions of its influences, as choruses are often prone to taking centre stage in this genre, especially if they are as catchy as ones such as in “Left Behind (Kid)”.
Some of the verses (particularly the second) have a melodic flow that reminds me even of rappers such a JuiceWRLD which I understand is probably quite a strange comparison for an Indie song, but still I also feel as if there are a few other aspects of American Indie-Pop that come into play as well given the song being of such an upbeat nature. I may even go as far to compare some of this to the likes of Avicii especially in the chorus, as even despite these being practically different genres I still feel as though a similar musical understanding of emotional music with happier melodies does in-fact shine through.
Overall, “Left Behind (Kid)” feels very radio friendly and something anyone would happily pass over a speaker at a summer BBQ. However, to really take this to the next level I think that the song needs a few more of its own tricks that standout and help it to feel slightly more unique; almost something to help it nudge the boundaries and potential that lies within “Indie-music”. Obviously influences are a critical part of shaping every individual musician, yet I feel it is those who use their influences as only ingredients to their own unique musical recipe who are the ones who are really able to step up and take their music to the next level.
That being said, this song clearly exudes massive potential for someone being at the young age of only 18 such as Adam Thomas Hughes and who’s to say really that he wont reach this level one day? There’s definitely a long way to go for him and he is undeniably going to have many more highs further down his long and winding road.
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