There aren’t too many artists I’ve had the pleasure of following from the start, but it’s exciting seeing people grow in their songwriting across years, singles, and albums alike. pure xtc formed after the dissolution of EXNATIONS (which consequently saw Sal Mastrocola go on to form the post-hardcore act Gatto Black), and this was Taylor Hughes’ first time behind the microphone.

Early releases could be best described as “promising” – it can be unfair to be too critical of pop music since it’s by nature supposed to be accessible. But some of the lyrical phrasing was a little awkward and it was clear that Hughes had room to grow as a vocalist. Most of this is clear in retrospect from “Drive,” the newest pure xtc single. I never sat there actively recognizing the weak spots, but hearing the cleanness of this newest track feels like seeing the wall of a house repainted with new portraits hung up. Once you realize how good your living room room could look, you realized what was missing all along. I’ve enjoyed most of the pure xtc discography, but there’s something about “Drive” that seems to get the formula right.

A stuttering synth bed and and synthetic percussion serves as a soft intro before the song explode into reverb-laden drums and instrumental melodies. Hughes’ lyrical flow is crisp and the chorus is immediately captivating. The lyrics are simple but still managed to capture a powerful image of driving through the night as a way to blow off stress. The drumming is tight. The composition is beautiful. Production is top-notch. I’d argue this is the best pure xtc thus far.