Elín Hall Talks About “Tachylite” with When The Horn Blows
Icelandic artist Elín Hall has recently unveiled her latest single, ‘Tachylite,’ a blend of breezy melancholy and nuanced beauty. The track, which serves as a precursor to her upcoming support slot for Laufey in March, demonstrates Hall’s exceptional musical talent, emotional depth, and intimacy. With a foundation of gently strummed guitars, subtle drums, and artfully mixed guitar samples and vocals, the song builds up to Hall’s elegant vocals taking center stage.
‘Tachylite’ effortlessly combines elements of cinematic alt-pop with hints of jazz and indie-folk, courtesy of delicate guitar melodies and rhythmic drum patterns. The verses capture a sense of lightness and freedom, offering lyrics that convey a delicate vulnerability. In contrast, the chorus introduces a darker, more yearning tone, transitioning from a somber beginning to a soaring falsetto and intricate harmonies, drawing parallels to Radiohead with a sound reminiscent of Billie Marten and Lucy Rose.
As the song progress into the second verse, it introduces a sub-heavy bassline and complex guitar manipulations, adding depth to the arrangement. Eventually, the track strips down to an acoustic guitar backdrop, accompanied by the layered harmonies from the chorus, leading to a resolute finale with resampled guitars and captivating vocal loops over a solid bassline and a crisp beat.
Co-written with Jamie Woon, ‘Tachylite’ draws its name from a lesser-known volcanic rock that forms when lava cools rapidly, serving as a metaphor for a fleeting and fragile love driven by lust. The accompanying music video complements the song’s theme with its simple yet striking visuals.
Reflecting on the track, Hall explains, “Tachylite forms when volcanic lava rapidly cools and so causes the rock to become brittle and quite weak. I thought that was so typically tragic and so descriptive of a love built on lust. Love so impatient to be born it becomes brittle and never solidifies.” The song also pays homage to Hall’s father, a geophysicist who is involved in volcano monitoring, showcasing her admiration for his dedication and work.
Produced by GRAMMY-winning producer Martin Terefe, ‘Tachylite’ marks a collaborative effort that explores new dimensions of Hall’s sound, with Jamie Woon’s nuanced production enhancing the overall experience. Following acclaimed performances at Eurosonic and a successful acting career, including an award-winning role in ‘When the Light Breaks,’ Hall’s musical journey continues to evolve. With notable appearances and a growing fanbase, Elín Hall is poised for a promising year ahead, bolstered by the release of ‘Tachylite.’
As listeners immerse themselves in the captivating world of ‘Tachylite,’ they are encouraged to watch the accompanying video and stay tuned for more music from this talented artist. The enchanting blend of musicality, emotion, and storytelling in ‘Tachylite’ sets the stage for a compelling musical narrative from Elín Hall.