Intertwining heartbreak, romance and a sprinkle of flintiness, Arthur Hill’s In The Middle Of Somewhere is laced with undeniably honest lyrics.
‘Hey Arthur,’ the EP’s enticing first single and opening track begins with a quirky conversation. “Hey Arthur, who’s that girl who ruined your life,” a women’s voice asks, preparing you for the sincere, heartbreak theme of the track. Easy-going drumming and delicate guitar lines craft a breezy feeling quickly deepened by Hills’s lyrics depicting struggling through a relationship. Sounding almost ethereal, the verses are backed by unique electronic sounds, layering the track into an infectious indie-pop niche. Hill’s vocals soften for the final verse where a voice mumbles in the background, like his thoughts and heartache are fighting their way out of his head, into the music.
Leaking slow, relaxing chords, ‘Try A Little Harder’ opens showcasing Hill’s calming vocals. Ahead of the chorus, the sun-soaked guitar builds up before a powerful “You’re all I want.” These intimate lines are sung with sentiment, revelling how personal the lyrics truly are. A blissful feeling continuing in the music, if you look into the lyrics the song is much more then another meaningless guitar track. Hill focuses on mistreatment in a relationship, he explains how he feels he would do anything for someone whereas they show no effort. A feeling familiar to many. “Promise I’m worth your time” Hill pleads, begging to be treated better with a voice overflowing with hurt. Sparkly and fresh, a simple guitar riff closes the track, leaving a hopeful vibe, like Hill still believes there’s better things to come.
Slightly intense, a heartbeat booms with Hill’s deep, haunting voice to start third track ‘Lily.’ Matching the continuing beat, Hill asks “Why Why Why Why..” with a punchiness yet honest agony. Abruptly the music shifts to the other end of the scale becoming casual and carefree while Hill’s words once again contrast as he reminisces something he’s lost. “Using fake names, still hope you’ll hear it,” he sends a message to an ex, letting them know the hurt they’ve caused him. Over the last verse, distorted noises race in the background seeming to mimic memories running wild. yearning piano then closes the track. Embracing his heartbreak, Hill crafts a melancholy ending to mark the middle point of the EP.
Intoxicating and uncontrolled ‘Too Much Ain’t Enough’ follows. Easily a standout it catches you off guard with Hill’s low vocals on top of simple but atmospheric guitar. Valentine’s day is the perfect release date for this unfiltered track with an irresistible pre-chorus and once again the quirky use of background synth. Similar to ‘One Of Your Girls’ by Troye Sivan, the song is a cocktail of flirtation and wit, implanting itself in your head. The ending bursts with wild guitar and one last taste of Hills passionate vocals.
Approaching the end of the EP, ‘Late For The Reservation’ follows with cheeky lyrics. “This place has 5 star reviews, but baby so do you,” Hill teases, in a menacing tone. With subtle music and gentle drumming, Hill continues explaining the story of missing a reservation being pre-occupied at home. The track takes a sudden turn into an upbeat zone where his strong vocals power over louder drumming and guitar. Things never stay still for long on Hill’s tracks as the second half of the chorus can only be described as other-worldly. Light, twinkly music gets you toe-tapping, remembering the feeling of falling so heavily in love with someone. Continued pun “guess the waiter’s gonna wait” is the final line, ending with a comedic punch, what Hill is best known for online.
Instantly downbeat, final song ‘Life Of The Party’ ends the EP on a more sorrowful but extremely personal note. Mournful lyrics of the chorus are repeated in a distorted, robot-like voice like the voice in the back of his head, the devil on his shoulder. Hill thinks back on better times in a past relationship and shares how he feels he’s changed as a person since. Bringing an emotional ending the EP is a calculated decision, crafting a song that is sure to soon be the one where fans are on each other shoulders, crying when watching it live.
Arthur Hill: In the Middle of Somewhere – Out 14 February 2025
