Luke Fraser – Things Can Only Get Better (2022)
Drawing on warm retro tones, Luke Fraser combines them with modern lyrics and textures to create his single ‘Things Can Only Get Better’. While an optimistic title, the track is a contrast of joyful love and subtle darkness. Depending on how you feel as you listen to the song, it can take two very different routes as it touches on the ambiguity of emotions in the dying moments of a relationship.
A bitter yet romantic single, it continues the ethos of his music as he wraps love songs in melancholy and warps genres to suit his needs. All of his music is packed with honest and intimate, yet scathing, lyrics that delve into various aspects of life. Using the skills he has honed over the years playing in various bands, Fraser perfectly combines retro tones with modern sensibilities.
‘Things Can Only Get Better’ has you swaying to the sound before you know what has happened. The opening is an easy flow that settles warmth into your bones. While there is a really easy vibe to the melody, you can feel the underlying darkness lying in wait. The swaying movement of the melody has a slight surf feeling to it that makes you feel happy and relaxed. The light touch of the melody builds through the single, filling you with the joyful euphoria of love. The retro tones of the music have been masterfully woven into some modern sensibilities. This creates a wonderfully unique and fresh take on the sound that you can easily sink into. As the single progresses, the melody builds toward an anthemic crest that is underscored by a sombre feeling.
The contrasts that have been stunningly woven into the melody have also been laced into the vocal performance. Fraser’s performance opens with a smooth slide that calls you to sit down and relax in the presence of someone you love. The lyrics are packed with affection as he lets someone know how much he loves them. This brings the light and joyful feelings of the track, only to take a darker turn. At times, the lyrics feel like they are falling into obsession and possessiveness. There is a delightful ambiguity to the performance that lets you draw your own conclusions as to where the emotions are heading.
Luke Fraser balances joyful love with the potential spiral into obsession and subtle darkness in the easy tones of ‘Things Can Only Get Better’. The melody is a blend of retro and modern, bringing a fresh sound to our ears, while balancing light and dark. Fraser’s vocals continue to bring this balance as he gushes with affection, only to head toward the line of obsession.
Find out more about Luke Fraser on his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
