“Seventeen” is a hypnotic success from Hugo Cottu, traversing from acoustic-set contemplation into a soaring rock dreaminess. The London-based French/English singer/songwriter first caught our ears with the debut single “For All I Know” back in 2019, and “Seventeen” furthers his sound with its meditative, escalating engrossment — centering around themes of “growing up and the fading carefree spirit of childhood.”
Initial lyrics explore chasing memories and childhood dreams, set with a debonair vocal composure with shades of Jeff Buckley. “Let’s meet this ugly mess that awaits,” the vocals entice, alluding to impeding adulthood. Shimmering guitar tones complement with subtle satiation at the mid-point, alongside visions of being young and laying in the grass, and launching thereafter into a range of charismatic guitar lines. The final couple minutes excel with a psych-rock daze, immersing with soaring guitar lines amidst the steady acoustic undercurrent. “Seventeen” is a standout showing from Hugo Cottu.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
