Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi has been waiting to captivate and make his mark on the country’s local music scene for some time – having conquered a sold-out show at the renowned King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut venue, Lewis has also succeeded in releasing a memorable, gorgeous debut single in ‘Bruises’.
Lewis has an impassioned stirring voice beyond his young years – it carries so much emotion and is perfect for a piano-based ballad, which is exactly what ‘Bruises’ is. The song allows Lewis to show off his full vocal range – whilst his lower range showcases the extent of sentiment and emotion his voice is capable of expressing; the song’s heart-rending choruses provide the perfect opportunity for him to switch to his stunning, passionate falsetto. There is a sublime balance between the gentle, delicate piano chords and the powerful sound of Lewis’ voice, and the contrast between the tender, soft notes of the instrument and his grainy, intense vocals work well – the track will no doubt earn Lewis comparisons to other male singers well known for heartfelt ardent ballads, including James Morrison and fellow Scottish singer Paolo Nutini.
Lyrics match the quality of the other elements of the track – Lewis sings poignantly about the desire of “holding on” to the best parts of a former relationship, hence Lewis never wishes to “lose the bruises that have been left behind” by their once lover. This haunting and heart-breaking bluesy, romantic, torch song will strike a chord with the melancholic listener.
Beyond the release of ‘Bruises’, Lewis has recently completed a string of live shows around Scotland, and looks set to perform more towards the later part of 2017.
Words by Georgia Stephenson.