It’s been a little over a year since the Welsh musician Hemes dropped a single, but one listen to Home and it’ll feel as if she never left. Being quick-witted with the pen, I’ve become accustomed to Hemes’ tracks diving into introspective territories focusing on her life growing up, the issues she goes through, and the complexities that come with growing up with dual cultures. This single is no different in that regard, but it’s how her songwriting has expanded over the past year and how it’s impacted her musicality that make this a standout single from her.

Focusing on the universal experience of feeling like you don’t belong, Home could’ve gone down a clichéd route that would’ve left us groaning and rolling our eyes, but instead it takes a more nuanced approach. Through her ongoing narrative, she explores her two cultural identities, feeling as if she doesn’t belong in either and resonating with fans in the process. Piercing through the production a lighthouse on a stormy night, her celestial voice is the centre piece of this entire affair and keeps everything together. The ominous production builds a foreboding sense of fear, but it’s Hemes’ voice that brings the hope out, letting everyone who listens know they won’t be alone, not whilst she’s there.

Unexpectedly bold, this is Hemes’ re-introduction back into the pop realm. No doubt this won’t be the last we hear from her.