Having established himself as a talented singer-songwriter with a keen ear for dreamy atmospherics, Max Gowan returns with his latest single, My Kind, taken from his upcoming album, Last Companion.
A steadily rising slow burner, My Kind moves from its glitchy electronic opening to form a bedrock of gorgeous melodies and strummed acoustics. There’s a clear focus on atmosphere here, with the piano backing and harmonic vocals building the song’s edge. It’s a remarkable step-up production-wise from Gowan’s previous work, highlighting an artist who’s growing as comfortable in the studio as he is as a writer.
The addition of Infinite Crush’s Caroline White is an inspired idea, her ethereal tone adding to the song’s dreamy quality. This feature is only enhanced by the soaring guitar inflexions that pepper My Kind throughout, as Gowan and White’s voices combine to create a glistening chorus that aims straight for the heart.
My Kind is a stunning first sign that Gowan is onto something special, tackling honest, heartfelt feelings and emotions with melancholy lyrics and a foundation of intricate musicianship. Hopefully, there’s more to come like this from Last Companion.