This minimalistic composition by Selkie, "Heartspeak," resounds with the self-assuredness of a musician who understands the power of quiet. Unlike her previous single, Hours, which built to a dramatic climax, "Heartspeak" brings the listener in closer, lulling them into an intimate realm characterized by fear, exposure, and the delicate tension of emotional exposure.
A close, weightless vocal, delicate pad harmonies, a swaying piano line, and a gentle synth arpeggio that flickers like a distant shoreline make up the delicate assembly that gives the track its elegance. Selkie employs these components sparingly, letting empty space integrate with the piece. Embrace the wonder of connection, the heightened awareness of vulnerability, and the faint but constant heartbeat that propels a person forward in the face of darkness; these are the feelings she is expressing through the space between notes.
"Heartspeak" is a personal journey song that Selkie wrote during a time when she felt physically, vocally, and emotionally exposed. The song takes on further meaning in light of the legend that surrounds her name, which alludes to the experience of seal-folk who go silent when cut off from the water. She created a new environment where gentleness could be a strength and a sanctuary by reestablishing a connection to nature, the piano, and the daily practice of returning to sound.
Selkie provides a haven in this album, not just music. Listening to "Heartspeak" is like perching on the edge of a placid body of water, listening for the murmur of something bigger happening below. It's a reflective and soothing composition that confirms Selkie's talent for making music with depth. With breathtaking restraint, this single continues her evolution while being immersive, soothing, and profoundly human.