The single comes as a perfect introduction to Costi’s sound in anticipation of ‘Joya’; a mellow tune filled with a warm voice, expressive lyricism, and beautiful melodies. It’s a confident debut, hinting at a broader range still to come on the full album.
‘Skin’ unfolds slowly, built around complex fingerpicked guitar work that gives the song its emotional core. That intricacy is balanced by a soft hand-clapped rhythm in the background, which has a subtle but grounding effect. Costi doesn’t overdo it — every element feels intentional and considered.
The heartfelt lyrics work effectively with the gentle delivery, matching tone and content in a way that feels deeply personal. Harmonies drift in and out like passing thoughts, never overpowering but always adding depth. There’s a sense of intimacy here, like a conversation you weren’t meant to overhear but can’t stop listening to.
As the song progresses, it builds towards something bigger — not loud or showy, but emotionally full. The final section swells just enough to break the stillness, leaving a lasting impact without losing the track’s core sensitivity.
At the time of the release of ‘Skin’, Costi stated in a Facebook post that “recording 'Skin' was one of those rare, golden studio moments, everything just clicked. The vibe, the energy, the sound... I wish I had more takes to share with you.” This energy comes across clearly in the sound of the track, having resulted in a stripped-back song with a soulful and authentic feel.
Costi is set to perform several gigs in London this summer, with a tour in the works for 2026. You can get your hands on tickets and view tour dates here.
Soph Johnson
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