"Hold This Dear to Your Heart": Liverpool's Rising Artist Hushtones Dazzles with Melody, Warmth, and Radiance - Atwood Magazine

      Merging rich vocal harmonies with genuine emotion, charisma, and an undeniable charm, the Liverpool indie pop band Hushtones shines brightly in their captivating, sun-kissed single, “Fragments.” In an interview with Atwood Magazine, the rapidly ascending quintet discusses themes of vulnerability, connection, and what to expect from their upcoming second album, ‘Wildflowers in the Mystery.’

      There’s a golden glow in “Fragments”—a sun-drenched sparkle that radiates even as the lyrics confront darkness. Hushtones opens their upcoming album, Wildflowers in the Mystery, with this luminous track about being there for someone during their struggles. It delves into the experience of witnessing a loved one in turmoil, recognizing that you can’t solve their issues, yet choosing to remain close. “Keep this in your pocket / Keep this close to your heart / I’m not your doctor / I’m just your friend,” sings Martha Goddard, her voice sincere and welcoming. The song is warm, heartfelt, and profoundly human—a gentle expression of presence and patience, infused with a shimmering, harmony-rich essence.

      Hushtones describes how they crafted this song differently compared to the rest of the album. Goddard explains, “I came up with the initial guitar rhythm and riff and believed it had potential. I wrote the first two verses and created a basic demo on Logic. Unsure of the chorus, I sent it to Mick (Campbell, co-frontman), who fully grasped my vision. He filled in the blanks and composed the chorus and middle eight. We then brought it to the band, and they elevated the song to its current form!” The abundant, layered vocal harmonies imbue an uplifting brightness to an already warm and enchanting song. It's a striking reintroduction to Hushtones for those who need it and a perfect way to set the stage for what lies ahead.

      “We aimed to begin the album with something vibrant and fresh, even with its darker themes,” the band shares. “We believed this song well represented our overall sound and made for a great starting point.” Driven by urgency and instinct, “Fragments” was the inaugural track written for this new phase, launching all subsequent efforts. Campbell recalls, “Martha had initiated a song (just two verses) about assisting a friend. I connected instantly with the message… it resonated. That urgency fueled our creativity. I truly believe our best work occurs when we don’t have the chance to overthink it.”

      That spark is evident in every beat—from their soaring harmonies and radiant guitars to the dynamic interplay of Goddard and Campbell’s vocals, a signature of Hushtones’ sound. “It’s no surprise / They’ve cut you down to size / You fall only to rise…” they sing together, inviting the listener into a tale of quiet strength and hard-earned hope. “Fragments” is vibrant, alluring indie pop filled with emotion—radiating fire and sweetness, heartbreak and grace.

      The band, consisting of Goddard, Campbell, Caitlin McPaul (bass and backing vocals), Joe Dillon (guitar and backing vocals), and Abraham Tesfachristos (drums), has spent five years transforming thoughts and feelings into musical treasures. They characterize themselves as a guitar-driven, vocal harmony-centric indie band, with their debut album, Greetings From the Other Side, released in 2020. They express, “We have all invested substantial time in monotonous full-time jobs and use music as both an escape and a source of joy and passion. Many of our songs explore this tension between a longing for freedom and creativity while feeling trapped. We are simply five friends who love making music together, hoping that people enjoy listening to it!”

      That sincerity shines through in every aspect of “Fragments,” a song that feels like a comforting hand on your shoulder and sunlight breaking through the clouds. It marks the beginning of something exceptional and sets the stage for what promises to be a transformative year for this Liverpool band.

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      A CONVERSATION WITH HUSHTONES

      Atwood Magazine: Hello, Hushtones! You kicked off spring in May with the beautiful “Fragments,” a song born from urgency and instinct, radiating a powerful energy. What's the story behind “Fragments”?

      Hushtones: We wrote this song somewhat differently than the rest of the album. I (Martha) created the initial guitar rhythm and riff, thinking it could be promising. I composed the first two verses and made a basic demo on Logic. When I struggled to devise the chorus, I sent it to Mick, who completely understood my intent. He filled in the gaps and created the chorus and middle eight. Subsequently, we presented it to the band, who elevated it to its current state.

      This song had a tight timeframe for creation, but months in, it feels just as fresh every time I listen to it as it did initially. What does this song mean to you?