Some of today’s greatest bands are able to capture your entire body; their eclectic beats, catchy melodies, and passion throw you into a state of vitality.
Then, there are other acts that seek to go one step deeper, and attempt to grip your soul.
Bands and artists such as Sigur Rós, and Radical Face all employ instrumentation that aims right for the inner form, so it’s fantastic to see Melbourne locals Beloved Elk take major influence from these troupes in their debut release Hemispheres.
Intro track “Bottom of the Seas” borrows from Explosions in the Sky’s signature guitar work, fusing alongside ethereal strings, acute piano stabs, and mind-endulging progression in what feels to be a song about the overpowering nature of the sea.
This style is not lost throughout the rest of the release. Rather, it’s partnered with different styles.
Whether it’s the sense of passive anger brought on by Lewis Gorhams’ guitar in “The Seventh Wave”, or the indie influence in “Cliffs”, there is never a sole style of music controlling each track.
Lyrically, the band touches upon hardship and cynicism across the six tracks. This is done in a way that brings intrigue, but not confusion, such as the lyrics “cliffs broken off so violently into the sea / that we all gather round and call this knife edge beauty’.
With a debut EP such as this, as well as a bright future that may include seeing themselves at Adelaide’s Fringe Festival for a theatre/music crossover, it’s safe to say that the ethereal five-piece are headed somewhere.
