Brisbane-based Quarter Short absolutely knocks it out of the part on her debut outing with the single, ‘It Keeps’ - a track that trudges up from the depths of societal expectation fatigue - which we are premiering right now on The Point ahead of its October 17th release.

‘It Keeps’ explores the high expectations set by society to be a successful adult, and how operating as a cog in the machine, and trying to fit into the perfect societal mould, has led to a long-set-in lethargy.

While the desire to drop everything and escape is high, Quarter Short (Eloise McElroy) feels trapped in the machine, but unable to adapt to menial everyday modern life. This juxtaposition leads to inner conflict and helplessness, as she explains:

‘There’s a lot of turmoil in this song that ultimately ends with wishing I could rely on myself and enjoy life, rather than waiting for a mould that fits.’

Quarter Short captures a visceral weight through that super-fuzzy bass and thick, enveloping synths — but it’s her voice that slices clean through the haze. There’s power and fragility in equal measure, and when the choruses hit, she lifts right above the density with effortless control. It Keeps channels a Tidal-era Fiona Apple energy — dark, dangerous, yet slinky and unmistakably feminine — a tug-of-war between self-awareness and transcendence. It’s a track that wants to break free from the limits of flesh and bone, to evolve into something greater. A killer first single, and easily one of our favourite debuts of 2025.

Quarter Short · It Keeps

McElroy worked with producer Cameron Bower who helped refine the track and the sense of despair and hopelessness. Thick synth lines and sluggish marching drum beats add to the heavy feelings of wading through mud in the track, while tailoring the vocal delivery to convey feeling desperate for answers. Of working with Bower, McElroy adds:

“Cameron truly helped take this song from my janky bedroom production to a compelling happy-sad vibe for when your sadness needs to move.”

You can catch Quarter Short’s debut at Can You Keep a Secret, Woollongabba on Thursday October 16th.

The new single also marks the first release of a powerful five-track EP to be released by Quarter Short later this year.

‘It Keeps’ releases Friday, October 17th on all streaming platforms, but you can hear it first now on The Point.