Luwten contemplates authenticity in silky and restrained new single, “Sleeveless"

Following on from the subtle electronic stylings of previous single, “Control", and the double acoustic release, "Call Me In / Full Well", Luwten’s second album Draft promises to be a varied and intriguing listen if new single “Sleeveless” is any indication.

“Sleeveless" is a graceful piece, elevated by the opulent mix of Luwten's - real name Tessa Douwstra - smooth vocals and acoustic backing. Spiky four-beat bursts of cymbals and piano break the generally calm procession, adding flavour to a track that ends as an unpredictable yet cogent mix of acoustic and alternative songwriting.

The track sees Douwstra open up to her fears and learn to accept the unknown. “Suspended disbelief how can I tell if this is reality?”, Douwstra ruminates on a track that considers the trust of oneself above that of others. Perhaps the best reflection of her personal authenticity comes in the accompanying video, as Douwstra’s jumper is slowly unravelled until she stands naked in front of the camera.

“On ‘Sleeveless’ I sing of a world in which we stop hiding ourselves,” Douwstra states of the new track. "Life gives us many things to hide behind: the things we say, the things we buy, what we choose to show, the expectations we and others have of us...It doesn’t feel like an honest way to live and it can actually deprive us of living freely. I was thinking about how being naked might be the best physical equivalent to being honest.”