If you’re a Melbourne music fan, it’s unlikely that you haven’t spotted Alex Bleakley around the traps somewhere - over the past decade, he’s popped up in countless projects, whether that’s backing up enthralling songwriters like Madeline Leman and Willie Coyote or laying down the grooves in groups like disco ensemble China Beach or garage-surf crew CoastBusters. On his own though, he specialises in rich soul-infused R&B, and if you’re in need of an introduction to his work, his latest single ‘Between Your Arms’ serves as the perfect starter.

Instantly immersive, ‘Between Your Arms’ opens into a swirl of evocative synth and restless bass over a simmering backbeat, before a heaving funk groove emerges and Alex’s commanding vocals steal the spotlight. Over the next four minutes, the track continues to expand - with playful horns and stabbing guitars appearing soon after, followed by an eclectic synthesiser solo later on, all while Alex manages to drop more and more powerful hooks with ease.

It’s a glorious listen, and overwhelming in the best possible way - in fact, from beginning to end, ‘Between Your Arms’ seems to glow with a radiant charisma as the layers wash over us. It’s fitting then that lyrically the track plays as a celebration of human connection, as Alex explains, “this song serves as a reminder to tackle tough times not just with your head but with your heart, what’s between our arms. So much happiness and fulfilment can be given through a simple touch or embrace, and by extension our arms symbolise what we can do as instruments of positive action.”