We often talk about hiatuses from music and yet we don’t often understand what lead to an extended leave of absence. Sophie Jamieson is different in this respect as she’s returning with an honest account of what happened during her five year break. First emerging at 22-years-old, Jamieson’s debut Where EP resulted in wide-acclaim and sought-after tour support slots with the likes of Marika Hackman and Pale Seas. A disastrous recording session of her follow up, however, contributed to a breakdown where self-destructive habits took hold. Back in February, her single ‘Wine’ was a heart-shattering retelling of a dalliance with one vice. Now, the 29-year-old Jamieson is looking for a way ahead with ‘Forward’. As she shares of her new song, this “was written during one of the loneliest periods of my life. Becoming disconnected from those close to me, I searched for connection blindly, drinking past blackout and getting myself into trouble. The next day I would find a way to punish myself. It was a vicious circle.” Jamieson’s glassine vocal is the driving force throughout ‘Forward’, one that pulls the listener closely in, like a dear friend recounting the years. - Hannah Thacker