Patrick Krief - “Eloise”
“Eloise” is the latest release by Canadian artist Patrick Krief. The song feels like a 1970s deep cut gem– one of those songs that you love to play on vinyl.
There is a really fun, upbeat, and playful mood that permeates this slow-waltzing beast of a track. The song is built on a slow drum groove that includes great, little fills to keep the movement addictively good. The main musical backbone to the song is the tapping piano line, which gives the song a constant feel of momentum. Strings are used in places, giving the whole arrangement a sense of elegance.
The bass line pulses beautifully underneath, providing a really warm and rich foundation. I really like the little bass licks that are thrown in, again adding that nice retro touch. Acoustic guitar and carefully placed tambourine add a nice sense of texture in key areas. It is these touches to the song that show how much care and attention was taken in its production. The lead electric guitar reminds me of ELO, whether it is the gently but beautifully crying lines, or the soaring slide guitar at the end of the song.
The vocal delivery nicely adds to the rhythm of the song over the verses. There is a joyfully retro feel for me in these areas. Krief’s voice then beautifully soars into falsetto tones over the chorus sections. The delivery is melodically gentle and sweet. The layers of backing vocals are utilized nicely as support, and the harmonies are well thought out and well executed.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of self-reflection and longing. Inspired by his parents’ love story and wondering what may have happened if the circumstances had been different, the song acts as a tender love letter to unfulfilled relationships The lyrics encapsulate the feeling of longing and the hope for a potential reunion with a lost love.
The artist says: “My father followed my mother from Morocco to several other countries as her family moved from place to place in search of a better life,” Krief explains. “Ultimately, they found a life together in Montreal in the early 60s. I imagined what it might have been like had my father lacked such persistence. And in that character, I imagined the longing he might feel for the rest of his life.
“Eloise,” by Patrick Krief is a wonderfully composed song that is joyful, gentle, and wonderfully retro in its feel. This song is for anyone who loves good, old-fashioned indie rock songs.