On “starbound,” Elliot Tellman enters a glowing constellation of sound, one that seems both infinite and achingly intimate. The indie-pop ballad shines with stark guitar sounds, whispered vocals, and an emotional distance that feels almost striking. From that very first chord, you’re not just listening, you’re floating.
Tellman, a forward-thinking independent artist who excels in weaving strands of hyperpop energy and emotional openness into his vivid work, writes “starbound” like a slow exhale. It’s the sound of memories and melody blending into something hazy, like 3 a.m. thoughts. There’s a delicate quality to his voice, but it’s the kind that feels quietly powerful, like a whisper that somehow fills the entire room.
Fans of Phoebe Bridgers, Cigarettes After Sex, or the early, dream-soaked edge of Arctic Monkeys will recognise something here, but “starbound” never sounds imitative. Its rhythm ebbs like a slow orbit, and layers of guitar and reverb conjure a world hovering between heartbreak and hope.
“Starbound” taps into the sensation of feeling lost in your own head but stumbling upon beauty there all the same. It’s just the right backdrop for a moody evening drive, a contemplative walk home, or perhaps it’s that scene in some coming-of-age movie that sticks with you long after the credits have rolled.
With this release, Tellman shows that he’s not just shooting for the stars, he’s building a universe where sound and emotion collide. “starbound” is more than a song, it’s a reminder that sometimes the space in between can be the most magnificent place to feel near.