Eleri Ward – Perfect (2022)
US-based singer-songwriter Eleri Ward notes her greatest influences as Andrew Bird, Lianne La Havas, Caroline Polachek and Sufjan Stevens, but her music does not sound anything close to these artists. Instead, she uses their sounds to create a conglomeration of genres and styles to evoke strong emotions with a pop-influenced bassline. Sharing music since 2020, Ward is not exactly a newbie in the scene; in fact, her viral TikTok videos gained her a strong following turning heads across the globe. Featured on Nexus Music Blog, Rising Artists Music Blog and Neon Music, Eleri Ward is described as astonishing, soaring and dreamy. The latest release from this Boston Conservatory graduate is the single ‘Perfect’.
Following her five-track EP Friction, Ward blasts into 2022 with ‘Perfect’ sprinkling tinges of soul across a pop meets R&B melody. Smooth and soothing, the laidback track has a strong toe-tapping quality; however, it also has a strong poignancy that makes you look beyond the toe-tapping nature. In its hazy ambience, ‘Perfect’ pushes a kaleidoscopic arrangement wrapping the listener in a gossamer blanket of sound. What I find intriguing in the melody is the interspersed percussion that adds an eclectic nature to the track. Perhaps the eclecticism makes the song a little more perfect with its obscurity.
One of the things I enjoy about Eleri Ward beyond her moving melodies is how she uses these melodies to align with the track’s concept. Weaving a sonic tapestry, there is a harmonic alignment between the ethereal haunting of ‘Perfect’ and its touching on the confusion of being a perfectionist. Using a personal narrative, Ward questions why one would want to be perfect when being perfect is boring. She also looks at the self-judgement people feel when attempting to be perfect.
An exploration of human fragility and complexity, Eleri Ward oozes intense vulnerability in ‘Perfect’. Yet, while there is a sincere sensitivity in an anxious setting, the song has an empowering stance allowing perfectionists to freely express themselves. Brutally honest in a sublime arrangement, Eleri Ward once again shows sophistication in her elegant and poetic release.
For more from Eleri Ward check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
