Some artists pay tribute with covers; others, like Gareth Inkster, channel their admiration into something original, personal, and undeniably catchy. “Ode (For Elliott Smith)” isn’t just a nod to one of indie’s most beloved songwriters—it’s a playful, piano-driven celebration of melody, complexity, and the kind of songwriting that sticks with you long after the last note fades.
From the get-go, the piano takes the lead, setting a steady rhythm while a free-spirited guitar weaves in and out like an old friend chiming into the conversation. There’s an undeniable warmth here, a sense that Inkster isn’t trying to mimic Smith but rather tap into the same well of intricate-yet-effortless songwriting that made him a legend. And it works. The harmonies feel natural yet unexpected, the melodies glue themselves to your brain, and by the time the song ends, you’re already humming along.
Inkster does more than just tip his hat to Elliott Smith—he embodies that self-sufficient, do-it-all-yourself ethos by playing every instrument on the track. It’s a full-circle moment: one songwriter, deeply influenced by another, crafting something that feels like both a tribute and a testament to his own creative identity. And if you’re not already an Elliott Smith fan? Well, as Inkster himself suggests, maybe it’s time to start with “Figure 8” and see where it takes you.
About Gareth Inkster:
A fixture of Hamilton’s indie scene, Gareth Inkster has made a name for himself by blending classical training with pop accessibility. Whether performing solo or alongside acts like Walk off the Earth and Monster Truck, his ability to craft harmonically rich yet effortlessly catchy songs sets him apart. And if “Ode (For Elliott Smith)” is any indication, he’s got plenty more up his sleeve.
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