What is it about the Australian music scene’s affinity for atmospheric electronica? This question comes to mind as Benji Lewis’ latest track ‘For You’ drifts out of the speakers. Opening with a somber piano, the track gradually subverts its course from soulful pop into an even more soulful electronic landscape. Comparable to fellow Aussies Yuma X and Connor, what sets this Melbourne artist apart has to be his voice. The angelic yet rich tone with a touch of human rasp intensifies the emotion in each lyric while floating over an intricate pattern of trap, synth drums and pitched-up vocal snippets, courtesy of producer Golden Vessel. This alchemic mixture makes for a sobering listen, one that threatens to draw out one’s inner sadness. However, according to Benji Lewis, ‘For You’ was “written from a very hopeful place”. Listen closer and you'll understand that this song is about “wishing for the best to come of two people being on different places, but wanting to express to the other person how real your feelings are, and how much you want it to work between you and them”. Whether you find hope or a lack of it while listening to ‘For You’, we can all agree that it's a beautifully heart-wrenching song. - HT