Iris Elke - "Empty Sounds" review by Alison Hawkins

IRIS ELKE - “EMPTY SOUNDS”

“Lawrence, Kansas artist Iris Elke’s debut EP Empty Sounds is the tender, driving, musical poetry you didn’t know you needed this month. The entire album has definite Joni Mitchell meets Big Thief vibes (which is A+) Her opening track “Dizzy” casts a 90s lo-fi spell with its perfect reverb tones and distinctive vocal melody. She sings, “Everyone get in a circle and hold hands around me … All of this thinking gets so exhausting.” The final dissonant chord leaves me wanting more, but her steady electric strumming propels us into the second track, “Empty Sounds.” Her gentle picking, combined with her beautiful, soaring voice, puts this in my *quintessential lo-fi indie pop* file cabinet. The hypnotic harmonies are well-placed, along with the powerful hook, “I’m so full of the lies you fed me,” accurately summarizing the mood of this record.

Iris Elke’s flavor of bedroom pop is spot-on for its vulnerable (yet mighty) lyrics that urge listeners to join in on processing their own feelings in the comfort of their own bedroom. “Mannequin” really brings me to my knees with lyrics like, “You have lovely skin / and lots of people who call themselves your friend.” The alternating sections of heavier percussion against moments of calming guitar keep me listening closely. Her next track, “Silhouette,” builds anticipation with its excellent use of a quite sparkly, energetic crash cymbal into vocals, “Open space / enemy of my mind.” Each of Elke’s soft passages pull me closer and to the edge of my seat. Her final track “Sunscreen” maintains her consistent, contemplative nature, describing a relatable interaction, yet a unique relationship. Elke has taken her listeners time-traveling to a charming summerscape, but it comes to a standstill in her repetition of: “There's nothing left to say.” Super bonus: you know the tunes are great if local artist Auggie Henry is involved in the performance.

We all need strong/sad/sweet/alluring music like Iris Elke’s right now. You can listen to and support Elke on Bandcamp and follow her on Instagram.”

LISTEN NOW.

Review by ::

Alison Hawkins

Staff Writer, Kickball Captain, & True Lions Member

Manor Records gives 100% of article author rights to Alison Hawkins.