British singer-songwriter Tommy Arch continues to carve out his own place between soul, blues, folk, and country with his new double A-side, “Lovehearts” and “The Cold Side of the Bed.” These tracks feel deeply rooted in an older tradition of storytelling and live musicianship, with each song approaching the complexities of love from distinct emotional angles, showcasing the impressive range in Arch’s songwriting.
“Lovehearts” draws inspiration from classic country and soul duets, featuring a collaboration with Newcastle-based singer-songwriter Hels Pattison. The track navigates the delicate transition of a casual connection becoming emotionally complicated. There is a palpable warmth to their vocal pairing that complements the track’s old-school country influence. Arch notes, “I wanted ‘Lovehearts’ to sound like one of those old Ray Charles country duets like ‘Here We Go Again’ so [producer Alex Blamire] suggested Hels Pattison and I sing the song together in the live room. We’d only sung the song together once before at a show, and I think we did three takes in the morning, and the second was the one.”
In contrast, “The Cold Side of the Bed” finds the artist exploring a much heavier emotional landscape. The song unfolds as a dramatic 6/8 blues composition, centered on the raw aftermath of loss. Arch’s vocal performance here is particularly striking, carrying the weight of his personal experiences with heartbreak.
Both songs were crafted through a stripped-back recording process that prioritizes analogue warmth and simplicity. By drawing from his own life and the literature that inspires him, Arch has developed a sound that values authentic, human connection over modern production polish.