With In Control – Absent
The song eases in with a melancholy verse, jumps into a heavier chorus, then eases back out into a slower pace. This ebb and flow continues throughout the song, and each change in tone is equally thrilling to the listener. The song might have the slightly unpolished effect of a live version; however, this can be quickly forgiven considering the overall quality of the mix. It even adds to its charm.
The guitars (Ciarán McAvoy, Fin Fraser) build tension, the drums (Euan Geddes) sit beautifully alongside the vocal line, but it is Lexa Wilding's vocal range that ultimately shines. Her distinctive, reaching voice complements both the gentler and harsher parts of the song.
Overall, it is a very successful single and a very pleasant rollercoaster to ride. Absent is addictive, conveying yearning, bitterness, and hopelessness all at once. It's already been added to my playlist.
Review written by Hazyn Templeton
Hazyn Templeton is a Scottish poet, writer, charity shop enthusiast and purveyor of punk. He usually writes in Scots and places emphasis on morality, human connection and complex emotions. He won Young Scots Writer o the Year in 2025 and has English language poetry in Anarkiss, Naebinary, and Man* Made//Made Man*. He studies languages, and hopes to open hearts and minds to unconventional ways of using the words in our heads.