Elmiene is perhaps one of the most exciting new acts in R&B right now. The singer-songwriter impressed when he dropped his debut EP Marking My Time this past October. His introspective brand of musicianship is refreshing in a time when many seem to barely scratch the surface. And, lucky for us, he’s got even more in store, starting with the release of his new single “Crystal Tears.”
“Crystal Tears” finds Elmiene pairing up with the award-winning in-demand producer D’Mile on the production tip. Like he’s done for the likes of Victoria Monét and Lucky Daye, the producer takes the song into the sounds of classic soul while adapting to Elmiene’s own style. That means that the instrumentals layer the simple strum of acoustic guitar atop lushly arranged bass, drums and backing vocals (and even a splash of glockenspiel). Meanwhile, the singer gets vulnerable as he makes the case for a second chance with a lost love.
“This love it goes on / I hear in your tone / I might be alone,” he sings on the chorus as he realizes things could end yet again in heartbreak. “My dreams are dragged on / Dеspite of my home / I might be alonе.”
The song’s music video deals with another type of heartbreak that would be a nightmare for any music lover. It begins with him arriving at a venue with his homeboy to check out the reclusive D’Angelo. However, when they get to the door, his friend is allowed in while Elmiene is sent to the back of the line by power tripping bouncers. He spends the rest of the video waiting in the never-ending line while a cast of characters attempt to also get in (with one even mistaking him for jazz musician Kamasi Washington). He ultimately never gets into the venue, but there might be some hope for him as the video ends with the time-honored “to be continued” before giving way to the credits.
“Crystal Tears” is yet another in a growing list of reasons to love Elmiene, and we can’t wait to see where else the rising star will be taking us in the coming months. Check both a stream of the song and its video when you head below.