Distortion, Delicacy, and the DIY Heart - Elkie Kershaw drops new single
Naarm/Melbourne’s own indie rock sweetheart, Elkie Kershaw, has graced your eardrums with her latest release, A Failed Teaspoon Collection, a track that whips around your emotions just as much as Melbourne’s unpredictable autumn weather. The song’s dynamic instrumentals, paired with its raw, somewhat emo yet honest lyrics, envelop the listener in a complex mix of nostalgia and longing, making us really feel something.
The track opens with a soft acoustic guitar, layering beneath emotionally charged lyrics as Kershaw’s delicate voice begins to unravel her story. A sudden shift in mood hits when a crunchy electric guitar, deep bass, and lo-fi drums drag you deeper into her narrative, while the acoustic guitar continues to hum softly in the background. Then, just as quickly, the drums and bass cut out, leaving the distorted electric guitar alone — pleading for understanding.
This moment of introspective silence gives way to a colourful burst of clarity, marked by the entrance of a gritty, rhythmic drum fill. Kershaw’s impassioned guitar and now gritty powerful vocals, guide you through her melancholic lyrics, weaving a familiar tale of craving affection from those who feel just out of reach. A head-banging instrumental gives way to a soft, reflective ending, where a single voice and acoustic guitar bring the listener’s emotions full circle.
Elkie Kershaw pulls us into a world of failed plans and small losses, where something as specific and absurd as a teaspoon collection becomes a poignant metaphor for longing, abandonment, and personal quirks. The title alone sparks curiosity — and the delivery does not disappoint. There's a rare blend of sincerity and playfulness here, like a diary entry told through a cracked lens.
Stream the new track here.