Plested is the new project of Phil Plested. Yes, that same singer-songwriter of acclaimed duo Chasing Grace and the same 24-year-old talent who can claim co-writes on songs for Little Mix, Emeli Sande, Zayn Malik and James Morrison, just to name a few. After spending some time away from the limelight, the now London-based artist teased us with a demo last year called ‘I O U’ before returning this week with the expectedly emotional ‘Habits’. It’s a grand piece of indie-pop reminiscent of London Grammar and Aquilo, filled out with a dramatic choir-effect and orchestral strings; all held together with solid songwriting. Your heart can’t help but swell at lines like “And I don’t want to stare, but I swear now, that nothing compares to your eyes.” In closing, ‘Habits’ returns to the flawless, reverb soaked combination of strings and voice, leaving us with a potent reminder of Phil Plested’s individual talent. Speaking on this new release, Plested says, “You know that feeling you have when you know you shouldn’t be doing something? When you’re addicted but you shouldn’t be and you’re enjoying every moment of it. I guess, when you want something that’s bad for you. That’s what ‘Habits’ is. I write love songs and this is my messed up love song.” - HT