There’s something all too satisfying about the art of the world that dares us to chase our dreams, whether it’s the excitement that comes with new horizons or the thrill of defying the ever-present threat of conformity. Music in particular often pairs these themes with high-energy instrumentation to create tunes of unstoppable force.
The approach taken by Adelle Elwood, the mastermind behind artistic alias Keeper E., is a different one. In her latest single “Leaf In A River,” the Halifax musician chooses to employ her ideas alongside instrumentals that are quieter, but with just as much power. If a go-getter behind an electric guitar is an unstoppable force, Elwood is an immovable object; one that demands respect and attention, and deserves all of it and more.
“Leaf In A River” spins a tale of a person who dares to acknowledge their purpose in life, and is prepared to axe anything that stands in the way of such purpose, indiscriminate of familiarity. Elwood’s hypnotic vocals weave her intentions masterfully, while her synth-enabled melodies carry a determination with such subtlety and surety, that failure to fulfill her purpose seems like an impossibility. The quiet resolve put forth by Elwood does not throw caution to the wind, but instead sets it down gently while whispering “it’s time for you to leave.” And caution listens to her.
Throughout the track, Elwood is acutely aware of everything her heart tells her, from the regret towards any time she wasted, to the breaking points that may be reached if any more is wasted. She is intent on fulfilling her purpose, unhinged from the factors of life that were once deemed safe, and she is confident, correctly so, that her actions will reward her with all the love and satisfaction that the universe has planned for her.
Soothingly melodic, incomparably relatable, and utilized in a way that grabs attention with a magnet rather than a battering ram, “Leaf In A River” is a phenomenal sophomore release from Keeper E, and her current track record could very well be an omen for her future in the music scene.