Elise Weaves Memory and Emotion into Pure Magic on 'I’ve Been Here'
- STAFF
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
By: Staff
Kilkenny’s own Elise breathes new life into indie music with I’ve Been Here, a radiant EP that drifts between longing, strength, and luminous vulnerability.
We recently discovered the remarkable artist Elise and her latest release, the EP I’ve Been Here, and we were absolutely blown away, filled with excitement to introduce this extraordinary talent to you.
The moment we hit play on the opening track “Remember,” a rush of emotion was immediate, and the song struck with undeniable force. Its flow and energy took hold right from the first few notes, delivering a sound that was magnetic and alive. The stylings carried an effortless brilliance, and we instantly felt echoes of the iconic spirit of Fleetwood Mac. Such comparisons are not made lightly, yet the richness of the track earned it with ease. The vibrant acoustic guitars paired with thick, resonant bass notes created a rhythmic drive that was captivating, each beat invigorating the listener. When Elise’s vocals entered, it became a pivotal moment, she approached with a layered harmony that teased rather than revealed, keeping the listener balanced at the edge of anticipation. What followed was a rolling cadence shaped by intricate drumming, a dynamic that revealed both finesse and solid foundation, speaking to the excellence of every musician involved. This chemistry transferred seamlessly to the listener, wrapping them in a current of irresistible momentum.
As the song unfolded, a standout moment arrived midway when Elise unleashed a vocal performance filled with raw beauty and profound strength. Transitioning from a spoken to a sung delivery, she poured unfiltered emotion into every syllable, creating a surge of connection that felt unforgettable. Technically, the production heightened this moment, as the guitars echoed with a rich, reverberating tone, paired with minimalistic effects that sounded both distinctive and iconic. This combination gave the track a fresh vitality while honoring classic influences, a duality that kept it grounded yet exhilarating.
As the rhythm surged forward once again, it conjured a vivid sensation, as if galloping horseback with wind sweeping past, free and fearless. Elise’s ability to capture feeling and motion was breathtaking. Her vocal embellishments, the soaring runs, and nuanced phrasing stunned us with their precision and emotional weight. Each note felt deeply earned, each breath infused with undeniable authenticity.
As an introduction to I’ve Been Here, “Remember” could not have been a more brilliant opening. We are utterly captivated by Elise’s artistry and still marvel that we had not encountered her work sooner. It feels like stumbling across something rare and luminous, and we are thrilled to now be part of her growing audience.
The journey continued with “I Don’t Mind,” where Elise shifted gracefully into a softer, more introspective space. The track’s gentle stylings provided a fresh backdrop for her to explore a different vocal palette, this time presenting a deeper, more grounded tone. That subtle shift made the song’s emotion all the more tangible, allowing the ache within the lyrics to shine clearly. And what made the arrangement even more mesmerizing were the twinkling ambient sounds layered delicately across the background, moments of sonic sparkle that added dimension and beauty without overwhelming the heart of the song. These small, shimmering details felt like secret gifts for the attentive listener, elevating the track into something even more special.
Elise displays such extraordinary brilliance and technical ability that it already feels she should be a name known far beyond the indie world. With performances like these, it is not a matter of if she will be recognized widely but when. Her artistic presence is undeniable, and she brings a raw yet carefully honed force to each performance that makes it impossible to turn away.
Our final stop on this powerful journey was “You Always Told Me,” a track that cemented Elise as a truly singular voice in music today. Here, the musical stylings leaned into a soul-rock atmosphere, beginning with a thunderous yet carefully restrained beat that brewed a subtle tension beneath the surface. As the rhythm grew bolder, it set the stage perfectly for Elise’s vocal entrance. She delivered a performance that was both commanding and heartbreakingly tender, weaving slight falsetto flourishes into her phrasing to add an aching vulnerability. The way she balanced strength and fragility in her runs was simply breathtaking, and at times, there was a faint jazz inflection to her delivery, a further testament to her stunning versatility. A moment that particularly struck us came with the lyrics:
“I’m sick of these papers. I’m tired of holding these pens,”
a line delivered with such visceral authenticity that it cut through with unforgettable force. The emotion she summoned here was pure and unfiltered, leaving a lasting imprint on the listener’s heart.
We could not be more impressed with Elise, whose powerful vocal mastery, pristine delivery, and deeply soulful rock sensibility combine into something truly special for any music lover.
Supported by a stellar band and arrangements that feel carefully crafted yet emotionally loose, the listening experience becomes something immersive and unforgettable. The production throughout I’ve Been Here remains exceptionally well-balanced, maintaining a clean mix while preserving the raw emotional edges that define Elise’s artistic voice.
If you are searching for an artist who brings both technical excellence and a fearless passion for her craft, look no further. We are beyond thrilled to have found Elise, and we cannot wait to experience everything she has yet to create.
On I’ve Been Here, Elise doesn’t just sing, she paints entire worlds in shades of heartbreak, hope, and unforgettable honesty.
Elise, the captivating indie/alternative artist hailing from Kilkenny, Ireland, blends a unique fusion of folk, pop, and rock into a style that feels both timeless and exhilarating.
With the release of her new EP, I’ve Been Here on April 11, 2025, she showcases a fearless evolution, embracing a more expansive, raw sound that highlights the full range of her band’s dynamic energy. Across five tracks, she explores deeply personal themes of mental health, hindsight, and emotional endurance, all against the textured backdrop of small-town life, threading nostalgia and a restless yearning throughout her songwriting.
Since first emerging in 2019 with her debut EP These Thoughts, Elise has been steadily building a devoted following, earning national radio play on major stations like RTE Radio 1, KCLR, and Beat102103, and selling out venues across Ireland. Her breakout moment came with the single "Cowboy" in 2020, landing on Spotify’s Fresh Folk playlist and attracting over 30,000 listeners in just a week. She has continued to captivate audiences with releases like "Ragdoll," whose music video premiered on Hot Press Magazine, and through appearances at prominent festivals including Vantastival and Marble City Sounds. Elise has also shared the stage with celebrated acts like James Vincent McMorrow, Ailbhe Reddy, and Rozi Plain. Her song "Rattling Brain" earned a feature in the 2023 Irish film The Hurler: A Champion’s Tale, further cementing her presence across mediums.
Elise celebrated the release of I’ve Been Here with a headline performance at Cleere’s Theatre in Kilkenny on April 19, 2025, delivering a live show as emotionally stirring as her recordings. We are so excited to have found Elise and cannot wait to hear more from her!
If you're ready to dive into something real, powerful, and undeniably moving, stream I’ve Been Here by Elise now on all major platforms. Let yourself feel every word, every note, and join us in supporting an artist whose voice deserves to echo far and wide. Don’t miss the chance to experience this stunning release from the very beginning.
