Upon discovering dd elle a few months ago with their single “Kind 2 U”, I was immediately attracted to their innovative use of electronic elements and jarring raw vocals. I have been eagerly anticipating the release of another single after their sophomore demo “love me only”, and it has come at last. “Tell Me” was created with layers of synth coupled with pixellated, alien vocals, which characterize their previous singles. However, this new track is fuller than those coming before it, proving they are progressing further in the evolution of their sound, something that is always really exciting to hear from a young band. I am always drawn to songs with honest lyrics that don’t seem contrived, and dd elle succeeds in “Tell Me”, which explores the struggles that come with being in love:
I was a little hesitant about the minimal and quasi-soulful direction dd elle took in “love me only”, so I’m thrilled to hear that they are returning to the roots that they cultivated in “Kind 2 u”. “Tell Me” is definitely my new favorite from the band thus far, which sounds the most complete of all their previously released material. The song opens with orchestral horns, introducing the monumental love song. dd elle in “Tell Me” utilizes a plethora of musical elements including sophisticated (but not overdone) synth work, inclusion of exceptionally placed guitar solos, and underlying drums when needed to create pace throughout the track. dd elle has been on my radar since they first started, and I think we’ve only heard the beginnings.
For fans of: Youth Lagoon & Passion Pit
“Tell Me” was released on Secret Songs run by Canadian DJ and producer Ryan Hemsworth. Find dd elle on Soundcloud and Twitter.
Listen: “Kind 2 U”:
Listen: “love me only”: