The Links have never been ones to stand still. Since their formation in the mid-2010s in Lafayette, Louisiana, they have evolved from funk-infused indie rockers into something much darker, more immersive, and emotionally gripping. Their latest single, Elvira, released on March 14, 2025, marks another pivotal moment in their journey, blending shoegaze, post-punk, and dream pop into a sonic landscape that is as haunting as it is cathartic.
The track, written by lead vocalist and guitarist Jack Morrison, was born out of a deeply personal struggle—one that saw him confronting grief, loss, and the trials of maintaining a year of sobriety. Written in the depths of a particularly dark period, Elvira became an outlet for processing emotions too heavy to bear alone. “It was something that came out of necessity, almost instinctually,” Jack shares. “It wasn’t planned—it just had to be written.”
Joining Jack in bringing Elvira to life were bandmates Andrew Lawrence on drums, Grant Gauthreaux on bass, and Wesley Guillory on guitar, with production helmed by The Links and Log S. The band found inspiration in the shoegaze revival movement, drawing influence from the likes of Deftones, Radiohead, and Queens of the Stone Age, while also paying homage to the early 2000s New York post-punk scene with nods to Interpol, The Killers, and The Strokes. The result is a track that seamlessly weaves lush, reverb-soaked guitar textures with a more direct and dynamic vocal approach—something that sets The Links apart in a genre where ethereal, buried vocals are often the norm.
Recorded at Warganized Records Backroom Studio in their hometown of Lafayette, Elvira is a product of both spontaneity and careful craftsmanship. Unlike their previous single, Sela, which was tracked in a way that mirrored their live performances, Elvira took shape in the studio as the band explored new sounds and arrangements in real-time. “This way of recording gave us room to experiment, to really feel out what the song needed in the moment,” Jack explains. “We weren’t just recreating something we already knew—we were discovering it as we went.”
The song’s unique recording process allowed for an energy that can be felt in every note—whether it’s the swelling waves of distortion, the hypnotic rhythm section, or Jack’s raw, emotive vocal delivery. It’s a track that doesn’t just wash over the listener; it pulls them in, immersing them in its melancholic yet strangely uplifting atmosphere.
With Elvira, The Links continue their artistic evolution. Their 2023 album, Outside, marked a significant shift in their sound, trading their earlier funk and pop sensibilities for a brooding blend of shoegaze and spacey rock. Thematically and sonically, Elvira builds upon this foundation, expanding their universe while maintaining a deep connection to the emotions that drive their music.
Beyond the studio, The Links are gearing up for a series of festival appearances and special performances, including Lundi Gras and Festival International, where they’ll be celebrating their latest work alongside other local artists. With each live show, they bring their songs to life in new ways, feeding off the energy of the crowd and further refining their ever-evolving sound.
For The Links, Elvira is more than just another single—it feels like the beginning of something new, something bigger. “This and Sela feel like a new chapter for us,” Jack reflects. “We’re beyond excited to travel this road and see where it takes us.”
As The Links continue to push boundaries and explore deeper, darker sonic territories, Elvira stands as a testament to their growth, their resilience, and their refusal to stay in one place. With its hypnotic instrumentation, emotionally charged lyrics, and fearless production, the track solidifies their place as one of the most exciting alternative bands to watch in 2025.
