Avery Lynch’s single ‘somebody new’ is filled with a sense of anticipatory grief. Speaking of love and devotion, but portrayed through waltzing piano and quiet, pensive vocals, it feels almost contradictory in its emotional imagery.

On first listen, it felt like a breakup song, echoing tropes and themes from many familiar acoustic ballads. However, the lyrics are really addressing being so infatuated with someone else that you would be willing to break your heart for their benefit. With beautiful simplicity, Lynch summarises the willingness to completely self-sabotage for someone else.

For me, this song feels like an analysis of insecurity. It explores the instability that is present in relationships and a constant sense of ‘imposter syndrome’ - even when it’s not necessarily prompted by anything.

It then allows the listener to attach their own emotions and experiences to the narrative very easily. This is the sort of song that makes every listener think of someone, and it will conjure up different emotions for each person.

Whilst not a musically complex track, ‘somebody new’ is incredibly moving. It’s not a song I’d have on in the background necessarily, as its repeating piano track and lack of melodic contrast don’t really lend themselves to that, but it is lyrically very clever.

Truthfully, I don’t think the instrumentation does the lyrics justice here. For such a wonderfully poetic message, I would’ve liked some more development and movement, but the track is still a very lovely listen.