Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Tom Emlyn – A Series Of Misunderstandings (2026)

Weaving personal narratives with dark jokes and words cutting straight to the bone, singer-songwriter Tom Emlyn has a penchant for profound storytelling through moving melodies. Honest and raw, with bitterness and love peeping through the cracks, Emlyn’s ethereal music allows you to float across sonic clouds, all while fixed in a particular place. The latest addition to his discography is the single, ‘A Series Of Misunderstandings’.

Following his well-received singles ‘Starsick’ and ‘doyouseethesameshadeofblue?’, ‘A Series Of Misunderstandings’ is the third track from his upcoming album, due to be released this year. For me, the song is really one of those that comes from a guy simply strumming in the living room, finding a tune and singing along without any cares or concerns. Raw and unpolished, Emlyn’s guitar and piano weave across Evan Collett’s bass and banjo, while Alys Hardy joins on the vocals. Laid back and tranquil, but with an odd vulnerability lingering in the tune.

Yes, the track has the soothing charm of carefree notions, but its overall theme is a little weightier; a full-bodied message slipping from a somewhat sparse, barebones melody. When speaking of ‘A Series Of Misunderstandings’, Emlyn explains:

“One of the oldest songs on the album, I wrote this originally over ten years ago. It’s about cycling through personas, exploring the ways in which difficult or disappointing experiences can change who you are as a person. Making the most of all the unfortunate events, misunderstandings, and false starts. Making poetry from the humdrum, banal annoyances of the everyday, the average let-downs and miscommunications…” 

So, my overall thoughts on Tom Emlyn and ‘A Series Of Misunderstandings’? Rhythmic, harmonic, folk-inspired grooves creep from the track, sinking into your skin and, well, chilling you out on a mundane day. It’s a lovely single, but is it memorable? For me, not necessarily, but it will stick around for the rest of the day if not the rest of the week. I recommend Tom Emlyn and am eager to hear his upcoming album.



Find out more about Tom Emlyn on his Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Soundcloud and Spotify.

This artist was sent to us by Beast PR.


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