pure xtc "lighter" Single Review

Alternative pop artist pure xtc (Taylor Hughes) released her latest single “lighter” on May 25th. Since releasing her debut EP “Nobody’s Home” in 2021, Hughes has toured both coasts of the United States and shared stages with artists such as Fletcher and Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley, The Postal Service, Dashboard Confessional). The title track of her 2022 sophomore EP “Shed My Skin” landed her on Apple Music’s New Alternative editorial playlist and radio stations across the country including NPR. Weaving warm vocals with bright synth and driving guitar/drums, “lighter” is a gorgeous, layered alt pop blend.

Hughes describes this single as having, “more organic tones and textures that are a little foreign to the pure xtc soundscape.” The track is beautifully textured with a variety of instrumental styles and interposed vocals. The musical structure itself is a journey. Just when you think the song may be ending too soon, waves of synth and resonant drums usher you back in. The lyrics are poetically somber, reflecting on love and loss. While “lighter” features some new sounds, pure xtc continues to produce a hazy, dreamlike world within her music.

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