Immediately setting the right kind of mood for this artwork and this title concept, Lost Platypus’ single Stranded trickles into the room with an acoustic guitar strum and some jazz-kissed flickers of solo, creating a perfectly beach-side vibe from the offset.
As the song finds its groove, the vocals lead with a simple rhythm, a simple melody compiled of a select few notes, and a lyrical thread that digs deep into personal intimacy, love and longing. The drum kicks into gear, still keeping things light but building further on that live-band sound.
The leading vocals are a big part of what gives this song a level of character and a recognisable air of individuality. The voice is somewhat tired sounding, quiet yet raspy, expressive and clearly connected to the story at hand and this significant other at whom the words are directed.
Coming in at just past the four-minute mark, Stranded actually evolves to become something of an intriguing arena of metaphor and isolation. The final third talks of being left on this island alone, there’s frustration in the reference, but still the protagonist will remain – I’ll be right here waiting. This final idea repeats again and again, bringing the song to a gentle fade out, leaving that line lingering with you – along with the very sentiment that the singer is indeed still there, waiting.
It’s always a pleasure to hear new music that emerges as genuinely creative or unique in nature and tone. With Stranded, the building blocks are familiar, the set-up and instrumental qualities manage to quickly comfort, but the story, the poetry and the vocal, even the melodic development, all lean in a new and original direction. It will be interesting to hear where else the music takes Lost Platypus for future releases.
Download or stream the single here. Find & follow Lost Platypus on Instagram.
