5 Seconds of Summer vocalist Luke Hemmings is throwing his hat into the solo ring with his debut single, “Starting Line,” taken from his upcoming debut album, When Facing The Things We Turn Away From, due out on August 13.
When it comes to the debut album’s lead single, Luke had the following to say, “‘Starting Line’ discusses missing various memories, you’re reflecting on your youth and all of the madness and craziness. It’s like you’re forgetting so many pieces of your life – not from vices or anything – but from the sheer volume.”
Luke Hemmings is now up to bat following bandmate Ashton Irwin’s debut solo album Superbloom last year. So, is “Starting Line” a true starting point for Hemmings’ solo adventures? Or does it flicker and fade away? Let’s find out.
The Review
Luke Hemmings right out of the gate takes away a million breathes as he brings listeners closer singing, “in and out of focus/moments that I keep/something for the pain/and someting so I sleep.” “Starting Line” is a somber warm blanket filled with comforting soundscapes and embracing vocal melodies from start to finish.
Lyrically, “Starting Line” creates enough of a void from the lyrical structure of 5 Seconds of Summer to feel fresh and stripped back. If the rest of When Facing The Things We Turn Away From is like this one song, we might have a mellow vibe masterpiece on our hands.
Vocally this is the best I’ve heard Hemmings sound in a while. He’s passionate, in control, and just waiting to explode with hopeful expression. This is a repeatable affair, and I can’t wait to add “Starting Line” to our “Song of the Year” list later this year.
Wrapping Up
I’m excited to see the paths When Facing The Things We Turn Away From will take Luke Hemmings if “Starting Line” is anything to go off. I’d also love to see some of his influence on this song creep just a little into future 5 Seconds of Summer releases.
“Starting Line” was a phenomenal choice to kick off his album cycle, and hopefully future singles continue this momentum and don’t drop the ball completely.
If you’d like to keep up with all things Luke Hemmings as he ventures further into his solo musical journey, you can head on over to his official website and connect via his social accounts.
