Single Review: Hels Pattison ‘Skinny Dipping in November’

A song that makes me yearn for a simple life, where the small stuff isn’t trivial and the biggest thing I have to worry about is whether or not the weather is going to improve. Hels Pattison’s latest release “Skinny dipping in November”  highlights the importance of understanding that a thing isn’t beautiful because it lasts. The subject matter of the song is centered around a Summer romance that unfolds with the changing of the seasons and how the very fact that it is temporary, makes it even more special. 

I love this concept. Hels’ storytelling is something that has greatly improved over the course of her career and it’s on full display here. The way she paints such a wonderful picture with her lyricism is a delight to behold. Buttery smooth vocals that compliment the instrumentation perfectly giving a warm sensation that lingers even on the coldest nights. 

One of my favourite lines in the entire song that gets repeated several times throughout is “do you remember it the way that I do?” indicating that the song is a conversation had with an old flame during a catchup months, if not years after. It makes the listener reminisce about their own Summer romances or fantasise about the idea of having one.

One other thing worth mentioning is the addition of fiddle and mandolin – played by Niles Krieger. This is something new that you haven’t heard in any of Hels’ prior releases and it makes a real difference to how the music is received. 

“Skinny dipping in November” will be with you on all major platforms from the 4th September. 

Review by Sam Heppenstall