Aaron Wright knows how to write a great tune. And the first single of the Edinburgh-based singer/songwriter’s second album is no exception, with ‘Proper Chronic Lonely’ being an absolutely gorgeous yet heart breaking track. Wright’s voice is lovely; soft and subtle to begin then soaring above the building beat, yet never losing the ability to convey such tender emotions. In fact this beautiful voice and somewhat up-beat tempo almost disguise the hopelessness and desperation experienced in ‘Proper Chronic Lonely’. Only the juxtaposition of the brooding, black and white video and melancholic lyrics such as “stars don’t shine at half the strength when you realise what’s wrong” show the more forlorn side of the track.
‘Proper Chronic Lonely’ is an excellent insight into what to expect from Wright’s new album, produced by Teenage Fan Club’s Francis McDonald and featuring members of The Rezillos and Belle & Sebastian, making it the work of a plethora of Scottish musicians. It isn’t the most uplifting track and the only way you’re going to be dancing to it is if you’ve had one too many trying to drown your sorrows after a particularly bad Tinder date, but it’s a cracking song nonetheless and is the perfect soundtrack to post-breakup loneliness. Aaron Wright has managed to capture the misery of isolation in a song and it’s stunning.
The Flying Machine is out now. You can find Aaron on his website, Facebook or Twitter.
Words by Leah McLarnon