A lovely, timeless-feeling folk enamoring takes hold on “Here and New York,” thematically exploring how the grass always seems greener on the side. The track comes via singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Elliott Ok, drawing on influences like Television and Lou Reed. A subdued, chugging guitar presence and weary vocal contemplative combine for a warming resonance to start.
“And I hope we meet again, between here and New York,” the vocals sing with a sense of melancholy, followed by twangier guitar insertions as reflections admit that “there’s nothing in this summer town.” The lyrics are impactful in capturing a yearning for something and/or somewhere new, whether it’s the bright city lights or more relaxed waters. Recurring goodbyes and the request for help in pulling out “this cork” further emphasize a need for emotional release or change. “Here and New York” is a moving piece of songwriting from Elliott Ok.
The artist elaborates on the track’s inspirations:
“I wrote Here and New York while listening to a lot of 70’s New York artists like Lou Reed and Television. I was reminded of when a high school girlfriend moved to New York to get away from the west coast hippie beach town we grew up in. I wrote the song as both an ode to New York artists and a meditation on the differences of mentality between people from the east and west coast, and how the grass always seems to be greener.”
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
