Alfie Jukes – “Lighthouse”

We’ve all been to this party. The host is chewing your ear off, someone’s cigarette smoke has become part of the decor and you’re trapped in a corner wondering how long you have to stay before leaving becomes socially acceptable. Alfie Jukes knows the feeling. “Lighthouse” finds him scanning the room for the one person who can get him through it.

I have one of those. There are maybe three other people on Earth qualified for the position. I own my dependency. Nothing beats having your person, especially one fluent in the universal language of time to make our exit. One look across the room and the plan is understood: I don’t want to be here, I’m taking [points at you], and we’re getting the hell out of here, respectfully.

The funny part is Alfie is writing his way out of one crowded room while deliberately making music for another. Touring has worked its way into his songwriting, and he’s thinking about how these songs will feel with a band and what people might eventually sing back to him. So the chorus built around wanting out of a party with your lighthouse may someday have a room full of strangers screaming it together.

That party we’ll happily attend.