CHUCK is a name but also means “to throw away”. But Eleni Drake ditches her last relationship. Not easy, the Londoner builds her album debut from the broken pieces – a mosaic of conflicting feelings: bitterness and longing, infatuation and hurt. With acoustic picking, breathy vocals and touches of pedal steel and saxophone, “A Wonder Day” exudes a warm feeling of connection.
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But already in “Half-Alive” the wounds of an unhealthy, past love come to light, communicated with the gentle force of Americana indie rock in the footsteps of Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. “Paper Moon” rocks a touch more earthy, and “Brockwell” draws momentum from the memory of earlier attraction.
But Drake doesn’t treat himself with violent emotional outbursts. There is a melancholy over everything that never loses its appeal thanks to finely balanced arrangements and changing shades – from intimate whisper-folk à la Adrienne Lenker to dreamy country-pop-rock. Ultimately, CHUCK is a record of acceptance and healing. And it ends on a conciliatory note. After all, love is not a disposable product.
This review first appeared in Musikexpress 12/2025.