ELERI releases brand new album

ELERI is a Swansea-based artist but you’d be forgiven for assuming she’s come straight from the heart of the American South. Drawing inspiration from artists like James Taylor, Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift, she combines traditional country storytelling with catchy melodies, creating a fresh and captivating sound.

With almost a million streams and a growing list of accolades, including airplay on radio stations in the UK and beyond, ELERI has firmly established herself as an exciting artist with a lot to offer. She’s also played prestigious festivals like Glastonbury and Country 2 Country, delivering her exceptional performance to live crowds.

ELERI’s journey took a significant turn when she embarked on a road trip across the United States at the age of 19. Visiting musical hotspots like Greensboro, North Carolina, Nashville, Chicago and New York, she returned to her roots in Wales with a fresh perspective and a newfound musical inspiration. Her experiences on the road have shaped her music, allowing her to create a distinctive brand of country that defies traditional boundaries.

Her musical journey began in 2016 with the debut EP All I Can Do, followed by a string of singles and EPs and her first full-length album, Earthbound, in 2019. Now, she presents her highly anticipated sophomore record titled The Carnival, featuring 13 tracks that offer a sonic snapshot of ELERI’s life since her debut album, capturing her personal experiences while also reflecting the ever-changing nature of life itself.

The album opens with “Magic,” where the ecstatic cheers of a crowd introduce an upbeat country atmosphere. ELERI’s confident voice rings out, backed by layers of guitars and shuffling drums. This engaging opener sets the tone for the album, showcasing ELERI’s pop-infused country sound and her stunning vocal panache.

In “Heels To Hell,” the mood shifts to a more subdued setting. ELERI’s smooth vocals blend with subtle backing harmonies, accompanied by lively acoustic guitar strums. As the song progresses, the introduction of drums and delicate slide guitar leads creates a captivating country rock ambiance. “Heads I’m Yours (Tails You’re Mine)” reveals the tender side of ELERI’s songwriting. Her gentle vocals, accompanied by delicate guitar melodies and soft percussion, convey heartfelt emotions. The song gradually builds, culminating in a joyful chorus filled with infectious melodies and a snapping beat.

Among the album’s highlights is “Karaoke,” a track that immediately grabs your attention with crunchy guitar chords and twangy leads. ELERI’s storytelling lyrics and elegant vocal melodies shine in this country pop anthem, featuring an irresistibly catchy chorus. The album’s closing track, “Every Road,” begins with a graceful vocal introduction and subtle percussion. Soft guitar touches add depth as the song steadily builds into a country pop rock outing. ELERI’s beautiful vocal harmonies and the slick lead guitar work create a captivating finale to The Carnival.

Listen to The Carnival below