Elena Dakota, from the small town of Derby in Western Australia, has a deep songbook of laid-back electro bedroom-pop songs. The latest is an ode to a housemate named Baby Craig.
The first thing that stands out about the track is the stripped-back, rhythmic electro sounds. The light groove and droning vocals establish a wonky tone, before the song kicks in with melodic synth-pop and layered, singalong vocals.
Beyond the music, Dakota’s lyrics bring depth to her sparse songwriting. She paints a clear picture of literal events like “Baby Craig is yelling at the toaster”, and without skipping a beat turns it into something full of symbolism — “I watch the smoke with a strange sort’ve feeling”. It’s extremely effective in pulling you in and not letting go.
If you like post-Grimes bedroom pop, EDN is worth checking out.