elkyn is a Leeds-based songwriter who released his debut EP, beech, earlier this year, and has now returned with “if only it was alright now”, a signal of what’s to come. Introducing us to his new song, he says:
“The song draws from a chapter The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader called ‘The Dark Island’. It’s about an island they discover on their travels but as they sail towards it they’re met with a darkness where all their dreams come true, but it’s not what everyone thinks.”
Citing a volume of The Chronicles of Narnia as a main influence gives us a nice glimpse into the earnest and fantastical mind of the songwriter, and, while simple, elkyn evokes a similar magical feeling on “if only it was alright now”. It begins humbly enough, with him singing over lone guitar, deep in a fit of misery. Just like the inspirational vessel, the song soon gets caught up in more tumultuous surroundings, with blusters of guitar and drums attempting to knock him off course. Nevertheless, elkyn’s heart stays true, and his gentle voice remains steady through the storm, clinging to his simple desire – “if only it was alright now” – and his quiet but staunch determination to reach that place of peace pulls him beautifully through the rest of the song, to a soaring crescendo.
elkyn’s “if only it was alright now” arrives via Tambourine Machine. You can find him on Bandcamp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
