Steven Luffkin — otherwise known as Lovkn — has a fun and unique songwriting style that blends acoustic folk and pop music. With a couple of EPs, a Christmas release and two full-length albums to his name already, it’s easy to forget that he’s only been around for about four years.
2021 is a big year for Lovkn with two singles from his highly anticipated third album dropping in October. However, earlier this year (in April to be exact), he gave us a much-needed appetizer in the guise of Hymns I.
Hymns I is a collection of acoustic folk-pop interpretations of popular hymns. It kicks off with ‘Solid Rock’, a song that has a simple guitar progression, a surprising trumpet solo and a delicious hook. It’s also easy to spot subtle gospel influences in vocal harmonies on this track.
'I’ll Fly Away’ is a stripped-down acoustic country-folk tune with light pianos in the background. On ‘How Great Thou Art’ the accompanying vocals shine, creating interesting and tasteful harmonies that compliment Lovkn’s voice nicely.
‘I Surrender All’ is the most upbeat song on Hymn I and it also happens to be the only one with a drumbeat. On this tune, Lovkn deviates from the acoustic/stripped-down direction of the previous tracks and gives himself room to play around with fun electronic and synth samples.
‘I Have Decided’ brings us back to the acoustic soundscapes with a beautiful Americana and gospel-infused interpretation of this popular classic. ‘Come Thou Fount’ is one of my favourites on this project. It’s a simple indie-folk song with heartwarming chants and an emotive lead guitar.
‘How Deep The Father’s Love For Us’ takes a slightly different direction as a piano-led ballad accompanied by lush strings. ‘What A Friend’ is the final track of this project, as Lovkn pulls the curtain on this project in spectacular fashion with bright strums and colourful acoustic licks.
Given the nature of this project, there isn’t a lot to say about it lyrically. If you are already familiar with the songs and you are a fan of this musical style; then this project is for you. On the flip side, if you are not familiar with the songs and you love this style of music; this is a good introduction to a wonderful collection of songs.
I don’t have much by way of criticism where this project is concerned, except for the fact that Lovkn played things safe in his composition choices. As a result, some of the songs sounded too similar for my personal tastes.
Nonetheless, the way I see it, Hymns I is a promise of things to come and I cannot wait to see how this project shapes up over the next few years.
Tags: Singer-Songwriter, Folk Pop, Americana
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That’s it for today, folks.
Until next time.
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