Guitarist in Sheffield favourites Junk, Leo HC steps into the spotlight with a solo release that leaves the four-piece’s rough-edged textures behind. The track is quiet and introspective, a showcase for his songwriting and vocals that quickly demands your attention.
It opens delicately, with sparse guitar giving space for Ocwo’s subtle vocals – each note packed with evocative meaning. As it unfolds, intricate viola threads weave through the arrangement, adding emotional weight without ever feeling heavy. Self-produced, the song keeps Ocwo’s voice firmly at its centre, warm, controlled, and full of feeling. There’s a sense of powerful tranquility here, reinforced by melancholic harmonies that linger long after the track ends.
Built on folk foundations, the track builds more conventionally than his band work, revolving around a soft, stunning chorus that holds onto its elegant, fragile energy. In the final moments, a refrain of “You Are My Heart” fades as violin and piano dissolve, leaving the listener suspended in quiet reflection.
With such uncluttered composition at its base, the strength of HC’s songwriting always takes centre stage, guiding anyone willing on a sonic journey that feels both immersive and cleansing. This is only the beginning of his solo path, and he proves himself a talent to watch – delivering a gorgeous, emotionally resonant track that hints at even bigger things ahead. Can we have an LP, please?
Words: Donovan Livesey