In "I Don't Believe You," the singer-songwriter Caleb Elliott features a journeyman mix of Folk Rock, Folk Pop, and lo-fi. This new release is an almost whispered, sweet confession, set in a room as the leading lights begin to fade. There's a low, throbbing ache that runs through the song. Elliott's story is a tale of someone finally acknowledging the end of a relationship, a quiet, simmering denial that ultimately gave way to emotional unraveling.
The main character knows the end is imminent and, even more, that he has to be the one to end it. This song, however, is all about that poignant moment of self-realization, of being brutally honest with yourself. The bass, drums, guitar, keys, and lead vocal were recorded live and energetically in the same room, giving the song a life of its own. You can almost feel the air passing between the players. It's intimate, imperfect in the best way possible, and full of sincerity. The Secret Sisters' haunting harmonies added later infuse the song with an ethereal lightness that floats just above the earthy grit of Elliott's vocals.
There's a memory at work here as well, harking back to the golden age of the classic storyteller. Think Harry Nilsson's melancholy wistfulness or The Band's earthy soul. Caleb Elliott pays tribute to these legends by making something that's all his own, even as it nods to their legacy. "I Don't Believe You" is like hanging out in a dusty studio and hearing a band of musicians who aren't pursuing perfection, catching truth on the run. And it has been found here, in aching vocals, a gentle momentum of instruments, and a type of candor that doesn't scream itself loud but sticks with you. It's folk rock in its most human shape.
Discover Caleb Elliott on Instagram