Eighteen year-old Suffolk native Eloïse describes Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die as one of the three albums that changed her life; on her double A-side release ‘Studio 54/Like the Way’, the New York singer’s influence is undeniable. Treading a fine line between imitation and inspiration, Eloïse’s menacing vocals manage to create something that is a testament to all her influences. Still studying whilst launching her debut single, Eloïse finds the time to produce a dark, brooding brand of trip-hop tinged R&B, combining the bluster of fellow newcomer Dua Lipa and the poetic lyricism of London Grammar’s Hannah Reid. Despite being an emotionally mature songwriter, she is also no stranger to a soaring chorus: “You say you’ve seen this before / Children in Studio 54”. The lead track recalls the artistic exclusivity of Andy Warhol, Grace Jones et al, pop culture icons and regulars of the club in song’s namesake.
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The songstress’s second offering, ‘Like the Way’, is in a similar vein, characterised by dark synths simmering on the edge of something bigger. In fact, much like the characters she sings about, Eloïse maintains a rather elusive presence herself ahead of dropping her debut single this October. If ‘Studio 54’ is anything to go by, there could well be another gangster Nancy Sinatra in town.
Words by Kristen Sinclair