Ellur’s Stunning and Dreamy Debut ‘At Home In My Mind’ (album review)

Eighteen seconds into album opener ‘God Help Me Now’ we hear the words ‘I think too much, I’m all out of fucks’ and the tone is set. Ellur (named after the Yorkshire pronunciation of her name, Ella) uses her debut album, At Home In My Mind, as a means of reflection and cathartic exploration. You will struggle to find a more honest assessment of a life, projected via swooning, dreamy vocals.

‘Missing Kid’ while backed with upbeat riffs, is by contrast a serious subject matter of internalising thoughts and feelings to the point that her struggles are not evident to others. ‘The Wheel’, provides the most radio friendly track, and it’s no surprise to learn this was co-written with Scottish band The Snuts. It is a slice of guitar pop goodness that we have grown accustomed to from the Whitburn lads. Contrasting with the energetic and catchy melody, the lyrics again point to Ellur’s self-doubt. 

‘Dream of Mine’ is laden with guitar melodies that call to mind the The War on Drugs, while Ellur sings of how personal sacrifices affected relationships with those closest to her and the guilt that brings. No two tracks feel the same and the album is balanced out with a journey of genres and influences that intertwine with Ellur’s ordeals.

Title track, ‘At Home In My Mind’ is also the album standout, a slow burning ode to past experiences and anxieties. What starts with whispered vocals of discontent ‘How Do I ‘just breathe’, Can’t escape me’ then reaches crescendo of Ellur asking the question ‘Is there somebody who can hold me, and make me feel at home in my own mind’. It’s another example of Ellur allowing herself to appear vulnerable while discussing the complexities of her mind. 

There are shades of Laura Marling and Damien Rice in the closing track ‘Knowing’, a soft and intimate acoustic ballad. It’s the perfect exit point to a stunning debut record.

At Home In My Mind is out now via Dance To The Radio