Album Review: elkyn - ‘holy spirit social club’
Inspirational singer/songwriter elkyn brings us smooth yet indulging songs in his debut album. Leeds based Joey Donnelly has received many successes since entering the indie scene as streams on current singles he has released have soared earning him spots on major playlists and in the charts.
From this album I get tonnes of passion and emotion as elkyn uses past experiences to make his music both vulnerable and honest which helps to make the world a better place. The rich soulful sounding tracks are so captivating and makes me want to sway along to the mellow rhythms. Some of the singles on the record are cheery and upbeat and this gets me feeling instantly good.
The tunes are full of positive energy and sweet calming melodies using a half-whisper to bring soothing vibes that help people unwind after a busy day but also helps them feel a mixture of feelings whilst listening to the infectious lyrics elkyn uses to portray a mixture of messages. The music he creates goes perfectly with his personality as it is down to earth and gentle with a hint of cheekiness and charm that will malt hearts. The tracks are powerful, groovy and full of soul and his vocals are breathtakingly brilliant as they are silky, deep and soft.
When people listen to this record they will sit in silence as they take in the astounding tracks that consist of funky chilled beats. Listening to the album I feel moved as these songs send chills down your spine as you hear sorrow as well as happiness in his voice. His sound is unique and distinct as he uses narrative to bring his music to life and to allow himself to be more open, his sound also reminds me of rainy days where the weather has been incredibly miserable and the sky is full of darkness as elkyn may have some regrets and bad experiences in life but we’ve all had them and it’s important that we don’t let the gloomy weather get us down or make us feel or look at life in a certain way because the sunshine always comes back after the storm.
Elkyn’s song writing is blunt and to the point as he writes with no fear, he is a creative genius that brings people together through the strong connection from the heart. He uses words to describe hurtful messages, elusive memories and lessons learnt. Although the album reflects on pain it is also a safe space for people to be free to collect their thoughts if they are in a dark place about themselves. Elkyn explains how he claims he has written nicer words and has tried to be nicer to himself in a sense where he is good enough and it is absolutely fine to have moments in life where you feel lost.
One of the tracks \I love is ‘Change’ as it’s based on a trip to his family home and wonders on whether he has fulfilled his father’s desire for him to become a man which is a sore point that resurfaces throughout the album. The raw emotion of heartache and sadness shines through as elkyn uses melancholic harmonies and sweet yet soulful melodies. Realisation sinks in for elkyn as he is disappointed of how his father doubted him and the key to happiness is to ignore negative comments, continue to be yourself and love who you are not what someone else wants you to be. After listening to his music, I believe that elkyn has become a man because he is in touch with his emotions and is extremely open and honest, if you can cry in front of the entire world then this is what a real man looks like.
Words by Jade Morris
