Peter Wilson - Hold You Tight

Buy Hold You Tight here (Energise records)

I'm always excited when there is a new Peter Wilson album on the horizon. The talented singer has a rich history of crafting pop magic, focusing on emotive lyrics and swirling melodies that stay with you long after the song has ended. He recalls the halcyon days of pop from different eras when the likes of Abba, Stock Aitken & Waterman, Steps et al ruled the charts - yet he doesn't just copy these luminary folk; rather, he takes their influences and infuses it into his work, adding a contemporary shimmy. His brand new single, ahead of a new album in January (on Energise records), is a rather splendid example of this - and a fine introduction to the fella if you aren't aware of his intoxicating brand of dance-pop. Hold You Tight is a synth saturated groove that examines the swirling emotions that cascade like glitter when you find the one you know you want to be with. Set to an intoxicating, percussive beat that feels like the pounding of your exhilarated heart, and a giddy rhythm that is like the passionate blood pumping through your veins, Peter commands the lyrics and melody with a fiery intensity that matches the dramatic nature of the score. Peter doesn't just sing the words, he infuses the performance with his own memories and experience which serves to make for a more nuanced understanding of the narrative. There are shades of Erasure as the electro-effects dance vibrantly alongside that compelling synth riff, with a chorus that (once you've heard it) sets up residency in your brain and refuses to leave. Neither do you want it to, it's addictive melody the most willing tenant. Add to this a throbbing drum beat during the middle 8 that sends your senses crescendoing in anticipation of the final chorus drop and you have a rather splendid 3 and a bit minutes of pop that you will want to repeat again and again. There a whole host of remixes that up the ante, have you shimmying to the dancefloor and raising your hands to the sky in gay abandon. An essential, euphoric slice of pop - and a tantalising peek into Peter's upcoming album. I can't wait!