Benjamin Francis Leftwich’s “New York” Explores Love’s Highs and Lows

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On a surprising acoustic observe, UK-based singer/songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich makes an attempt to maneuver on from the previous whereas wandering the streets of “New York.”

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Stream: “New York” – Benjamin Francis Leftwich

When I first visited New York Metropolis, I appeared up on the large skyscrapers, then lowered my head to observe the a whole bunch of pedestrians strolling previous me, and I couldn’t recover from how small the town made me really feel. It wouldn’t be place to run away to after a coronary heart wrenching breakup.

However that’s the precise scenario singer/songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich finds himself in on “New York,” one of many standout singles from his new album Some Issues Break (February 9, 2024 by way of Soiled Hit). The track tells the story of somebody wandering by way of the town whereas reflecting on a previous relationship they nonetheless haven’t gotten over. It’s a hauntingly stunning observe that places Leftwich’s abilities on full show.

Some Things Break - Benjamin Francis Leftwich — Some Issues Break – Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Benjamin Francis Leftwich is a UK-born musician with 5 albums of authentic music to his title. At an early age, he was impressed to select up a guitar after listening to The Beatles together with his father. Along with the Beatles, he has talked about Smashing Pumpkins, Damien Rice, and Bruce Springsteen as influences. In a 2012 interview, he described his admiration for Springsteen, saying that “regardless that he crosses a number of genres with completely different data, the songs are all the time king for him.”

You may hear this dedication to the craft of songwriting in Leftwich’s music. It’s not possible to take heed to one in every of his songs with out noticing his expertise for crafting unforgettable melodies and lyrics, and “New York” is an ideal instance of this reward. The track opens with a putting picture depicting the curler coaster journey a passionate but rocky relationship can take you on:

Nobody right here in New York
Can do me such as you do
Can fill my mattress with roses
Whereas smashing up the room

Benjamin Francis Leftwich © Harvey Pearson

The simplicity of the track’s association — Leftwich’s emotive vocals are accompanied solely by a finger-picked acoustic guitar—leaves the singer nowhere to cover. It’s straightforward to image the artist sitting on his mattress in a claustrophobic New York lodge room penning this track, or singing the traces to himself in a whisper as he walks by way of the town lit by streetlights.

The lyrics quickly reveal that this can be a story not a couple of present relationship however about somebody reliving the previous and greedy for a means ahead.

When the lights go down on Broadway
And the music begins to fade
I’m crying on the Brooklyn Bridge
Whereas strangers look away

This track went on an fascinating journey earlier than showing on Leftwich’s new report. Benjamin is mates with Matty Healy of The 1975, and he shared the track with Matty after writing it. Healy then performed the track at an acoustic efficiency opening for Phoebe Bridgers in 2021 and added his personal bridge to Leftwich’s association. That bridge later took on a lifetime of its personal and advanced into the 1975’s 2022 single “A part of the Band.” It’s a captivating look into the artistic course of and the way in which songs can evolve and encourage different songwriters earlier than making it onto an album.

“New York” closes in resignation and loneliness. Leftwich sings of reaching out to his previous love regardless that he is aware of this former flame isn’t considering of him. The immensity of New York Metropolis feels overwhelming within the midst of the loss.

I knew that you simply’d moved on by now
I shouldn’t have known as, I do know
However nobody right here in New York appears to care
That I’m alone

But there’s an odd consolation that may come from listening to such a wistful track. It’s the conclusion that in these moments of loss and loneliness, you aren’t completely alone since you aren’t the one one experiencing these feelings. “New York” is a track about isolation, however the way in which that it describes that isolation is relatable in methods that may go away the listener feeling paradoxically much less alone. It takes you thru the highs and lows of the connection, reveals you the despair that greets you within the quiet moments after it’s over, and assures you that every one of that is a part of a tough however quintessentially human expertise.

That’s the facility of a voice, a guitar, and an important track.

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