Sydney songwriter Sam Newton continues his run of impressive singles in 2021 with ‘Burning Bridges’. The soulful Americana track has a classic Ryan Adams feel in the music, with gentle organ notes ringing out amid the delicate yet ornate percussion of Reuben Alexander and the sweetly balanced backing vocals by Rebecca Ursino.

Newton knows how to ensure economy remains central to his songwriting. Nothing is hurried, nothing is overwrought or overthought. Acute observations and musings – in this case seeking redemption in a fractured relationship – are his forte and ‘Burning Bridges’ sits nicely at that nexus of song-craft, listenability and wide appeal.