The one and only Yaelokre emerges once again from the depths of their fantastical world, bringing us their enchanting new EP Composing Coletine.
The exceptional, Filipino-Icelandic artist Keath Ósk, better known as Yaelokre, finally takes us back to their mysterious world of Meadowlark, home to their soundscapes and songs, where we are about to embark on the newest adventures of the four masked children Cole, Clémente, Peregrine, and Kingsley. The four of them who compose the musical ensemble known as “The Lark,” perform as the heralds of “The Harkers,” mythical beings who represent the fundamental principles of nature, wonder and chaos.
When Yaelokre embarked on their debut global tour, Foreword, fans all around the world flocked to hear the tales from the Meadowlark, selling it out immediately. Ever since, they exceeded 280 million streams in Spotify and united a devoted fanbase. With a TikTok following of 1.7 million people, an expansive fan-created Wiki and a dedicated subreddit full of fan art, cosplay and theories, Yaelokre continues to expand the visual and sonic reach of their world. This project gives them the opportunity to express themselves artistically through multiple media, all through one outlet.
With Composing Coletine, Yaelokre once again brings us captivating stories, largely inspired by their own experiences. With the four Larks representing different stages of their childhood, Yaelokre writes highly cathartic songs. They further state,
This project revolves around lessons that I’ve learned from life. he main lesson is to listen, be kind, and spread compassion. Be courageous. Do not let yourself be fenced in. Chaos is natural, and it’s not always a bad thing. You have to mind the past so you can find a better future. You need to be open-minded. And most importantly, you need to live in the moment.
About the new EP Yaelokre says,
This EP centers on the core pairing of the story: Cole Seymour and Clémente Dearworth. Together, they embody a shared lesson of compassion and courage. I chose the word ‘Composing’ alongside their combined name, ‘Colentine,’ because these songs represent the individual parts that make up their relationship. It is easy for most to view them through a simplified lens and identify them as either lovers or friends, when in truth, they are both and neither. These songs were written from the idea of my own identity being split into two parts: the past and the future, what I am and what I am becoming, the unromantic and the ideal. Through Cole and Clémente, that division becomes a relationship with itself. Together, they represent a form of self-love—where compassion requires courage, and connection cannot always be confined to a single definition. A fondness. A reassurance.
“My farewells to the fields” returns to Yaelokre’s latest EP Composing Colentine after being featured on previous EPs such as Songs of Origin and Origins. The song tells of the origin of Cole Seymour, the rabbit masked member of the Lark. It paints a picture of their life before meeting their friends and founding the Lark. Going deeper, the song is also connected to “Bird cage blue and yellow,” paying tribute to Cole and Clémente’s relationship.
Speaking of the two, the next song, “Kid and Leveret” sheds light on Cole and Clémente’s time before finding family in the Lark. In it, Cole is portrayed as the child who hid to be heard. This links the song closely to “Harpy Hare,” who was their overprotective mother, telling of Cole’s experiences under her care. Furthermore, the song describes Clémente as the child who ran to be remembered, referencing their escape from their mother who hindered them from becoming who they wanted to be and kept them to herself as a trophy.
“Cole’s Response” is a short and sweet reaction from Cole’s point of view to Clémente’s affection. It tackles the oddity of emotions and how they can be overwhelming at times. The song was originally released in February of 2024 before being taken down, reworked and re-released for Composing Colentine.
The standout single “Hearken” on the EP is their oldest and dearest song thus far. It once again details the bond between Cole and Clémente, but this time from the perspective of valuing the time they have together. Yaelokre explains,
Sung by characters Cole Seymour and Clémente Dearworth, it realises the present, of being within the moment, and treasuring what we have in the now. And although the future is inevitable, along with the past being invariant, all we could really do is exist, and to be.
With Composing Colentine deepening the world of the Meadowlark, Yaelokre takes another defining and meaningful step on their music journey. Keep your ears sharp and you might hear the whispers of what else is to come from this fantastical place as Yaelokre continues to tell the story of the Lark.
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