What gives “Better Half” its edge is the tension running underneath it. Not tension between the two singers, but tension inside the writing itself. Out now via Now Listen, the song constantly shifts between difficult moments and reassurance, uncertainty and comfort, and that push-and-pull keeps it interesting from start to finish.
Town Called Us avoid the obvious route for a debut single. Instead of introducing themselves with glossy romance, Lauren Baxter and James Plimmer build “Better Half” around moments of doubt and emotional exhaustion and the relief of having someone steady enough (your better half) to pull you back out of it. “When my colours fade and my world breaks” is one of the strongest lines in the track because it captures that feeling without overexplaining it.
The structure helps too. Each verse feels increasingly worn down before the chorus opens things back up again, creating the sense of somebody trying to claw their way towards clarity. Even the repeated “How to carry on” lands differently each time it comes around.
Vocally, the duo understand contrast. Lauren carries much of the brightness in the melody, while James brings a heavier tone that stops the song drifting too far into polished pop territory. Together, they give the chorus a real sense of movement.
What makes “Better Half” connect is its focus on real emotions and familiar situations rather than overblown drama. By keeping everything personal and believable, the song ends up hitting much harder.
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