Released today on Ninja Tune, Melbourne Blues is the first single taken from Eleni Drake’s forthcoming EP, Vanilla Sky.
The word blue is an adjective used to describe the sorrow and misery of humankind. The etymology of feeling blue is thought to have come from bruises on the skin, as in the expression black and blue. Every day is a school day, right?
There is a lot to be said for companionship when feeling blue. Melbourne Blues is the friend that will whisk you away in those dark times. It comforts with its cries and soothes with its soul.
Twinkling pianos instantly captivate and command your attention. Once your ears are pricked, the shadowy and reverb-drenched guitar hook will have you hypnotised and seduced. This track startles with its beauty and all within a few seconds of engaging the play button. You could listen to the introduction on loop and revel in the glory that you have found. Just as things couldn’t get any better, cue the vocals.
Drake drowsily sings in a way that blends artfully with the instrumentation. Her voice is full of feels and heart. Naturally, such delivery will draw comparisons with Lana Del Rey, but there are many layers to Melbourne Blues.
The chorus tugs and pulls, elevating the song to another dimension. The harmonies glide and extract every last drop of emotion. The guitar work cascades like a full orchestra. Furthermore, this track is produced with pinpoint precision. Melbourne Blues is a dreamy lo-fi epic. Shoegazey like Cigarettes After Sex, enchanting like Mazzy Star, and delicate like Cat Power. Drake has created a song black and blue with elegance.
