Arthur Hill - In The Middle of Somewhere EP

When facing the world, it can be tempting to hide behind layers of carefully constructed persona, but Arthur Hill arrives with all his cards face-up on the table, dealing a winning hand of disarmingly honest songwriting.

His debut EP, 'In The Middle of Somewhere' opens with the sprightly 'Hey Arthur!', a track that sets the tone with its clever wordplay and infectious energy. It's the kind of song that makes you wonder why more artists don't embrace self-deprecating humour as skillfully – Hill manages to poke fun at himself while maintaining an underlying current of genuine emotion that elevates to become something special.

On 'Try A Little Harder' and 'Lily', Hill's vulnerability shines through pristine production that knows when to step back and let his storytelling take centre stage. His voice carries the weight of experience without sacrificing its youthful optimism, a difficult balance that he maintains throughout the collection.

The EP's momentum briefly wavers with 'Too Much Ain't Enough', which is somewhat out of step with the rest of the collection, as though it really wants to be a summer anthem for 2017; the repeated "baby" refrains at odds with Hill's usually nimble lyrical footwork.

Things get back on track with 'Late For The Reservation', a narrative piece that showcases Hill's gift for turning everyday moments into engaging stories. It's here that his potential really crystallises – few artists can make mundane situations feel so compelling, and fewer still can do it while keeping listeners grinning along with every verse.

What makes 'In The Middle of Somewhere' work is its exploration of finding one's footing, both musically and personally, with a real excitement for what’s to come. Hill might still be discovering exactly what kind of artist he wants to be, but his sharp ear for melody and keen eye for detail suggest he's already found his voice.