"Good in Denim" is the debut single from young poet/musician Elliot Bam. In a time when much music is superficial in feeling, Elliot Bam dives head first into the murky waters of emotional undercurrent. Straight-up, raw, and beautifully undone, this track is a confession. Draped in indie folk hues and soft acoustic warmth, Elliot sings of heartbreak, queer identity, desire, and the delicate shuffle of self-acceptance. Also hailing from Liverpool and growing up in a musically saturated household, Elliot's background makes for a melodically and structurally sensitive artist.
A classically-trained pianist with a heart that unmistakably beats for indie folk, he writes "Good in Denim" with care every note, every breath clearly placed to mirror the song's aching vulnerability. The influence of his musical background is evident in a subtle yet unmistakable way. This is the sort of storytelling that doesn't clamor for attention but earns it. This is a song about a queer lover struggling with internal conflict, a battle between being seen and being heard. The relationship collapses not for want of love but for the assault that takes place when identity is left unspoken and uncertain. The stacked harmonies and simple acoustic framework create an intimate cocoon around you, enveloping the characters in their emotional journey.
There's an organic parallel to Phoebe Bridgers' soul-baring delivery, but Elliot provides a new and needed viewpoint as a trans man. His voice contributes to the still-changing landscape of queer music with tenderness and sturdiness. He doesn't flinch at complexity. He leans into it, giving form to feelings many have failed to name. With "Good in Denim," Elliot Bam emerges as more than a singer-songwriter, but as a storyteller for a generation that's thirsty for representation that feels lived-in and unvarnished. It's a quiet anthem for anyone who has tried to hold onto love anyway while still figuring out how to hold onto themselves. This is not only a promising debut but a necessary one.