It’s hard to know how to escape from a close relationship with someone, whether it be a best friend or romantic partner. After the success of her 2022 EP ‘Runaway’, Phoebe Hall returns with synth pop banger ‘Pulling Me Back’, in collaboration with established band Larkins, that tackles just this very idea.

The track opens with Hall’s powerful yet raw vocals, accompanied by a pulsating and rhythmic chordal pattern. Themes of confusion amid a sea of strong feelings and attachment are explored here (“You’ve been on my mind again//You say you don’t need a friend”). A gradual build-up to the chorus introduces catchy synth licks and more percussion, reminiscent of early work by The 1975. (“So close like we’ve been dating”)- an all too true representation of the close bonds you can make with a platonic friend that blur the lines of your feelings for each other. The satisfying guitar lick into the chorus reflects these bittersweet emotions.

On first listen I came to the conclusion that the chorus is perfectly fitting – it gives me everything I want and expect from this track, and it satisfies me.
The full drum kit comes in as expected, and the shorter lyric structure here reflects a chaotic outpouring of emotion (“I hear your name/I give, you take/My breath away/You keep pulling me back”).

The consequent verse material comes from Josh Noble of Larkins, reflecting the opposing point of view of Phoebe. The first lines are delivered acapella with no instrumental accompaniment, creating a powerful cacophony of synth and drum that hits suddenly in the upcoming bars. (“Why can’t you be happy I’ve been feeling right again”) shows a conflict in ideas on the state of the relationship – on one side, Phoebe isn’t ready to move on, while Josh is already past the idea of a romantic connection (“Platonic’s kinda boring/But you’ll break it if you force it”).

The final choruses are arguably most satisfying, with a full duet style between Hall and Noble, as well as in the bridge section. What I appreciate about this track is that the production isn’t cranked up – the synths aren’t overpowering. It’s an easy listen, and one I cannot wait to listen to again and again. They leave us wanting more as an audience, which is a key skill in songwriting.


Phoebe Hall has just bagged a huge Maida Vale live performance with the BBC and is currently touring with Larkins. Catch them together in Leeds, Manchester, and London this September.