Alex Hoskyns makes a striking debut with ‘Secondhand Love’, a track that blends subtle folk intimacy, cinematic indie-pop flair and mellow pop melodies. It all works together to frame a vulnerable exploration of love, loss and heartbreak. Produced by Carlee Morales and recorded in Valencia, Spain, this promising singer-songwriter relives that brutal reality of being someone’s second choice. No doubt there are many listeners who can relate to that gut-punch feeling and it’s one that Alex handles with a quiet intensity.

With a controlled delivery that suggests that Alex has a habit for rumination, she carefully unpacks those uncomfortable emotions with her smoky, soulful vocals. There’s a lived-in sensation in this track, which reflects a genuine authenticity to her songwriting that takes a well-worn theme like heartbreak and transforms it into something timeless. This intimacy has been enhanced by a meticulous arrangement of soaring strings and layered harmonies. With the addition of a ticking clock hinting at the impending conclusion of the relationship, of the song, of even the way you might be feeling right now. There’s an underlying sense of fragility in ‘Secondhand Love’ that’s utterly convincing and establishes Alex as a songwriter to keep an eye on.

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