Elliot York - Soundtrack in My Head Pt 1

​Elliot York

Soundtrack in My Head Pt 1
self-released; 2017

3.7 out of 5

By Andrew Westberry

Having played guitar, bass and drums in various indie bands for over a decade, Elliot York has continued to pursue a solo musical project, a three-track EP that was recorded in Stockholm, Sweden, entitled Soundtrack in My Head Pt 1. The album, a concept album inspired by York’s own dreams, will be followed by two more by the same name, coming in the near future.

The EP begins with “Across the Rooftops” as a swinging beat and a lively guitar riff lead the rest of the instruments in a classic rock n’ roll jam. The sky-high energy takes a momentary respite before launching back into the main portion of the song. As there are no lyrics or singing in this song, the tune becomes personally interesting to each listener as it creates thoughts and feelings without the medium language.

“Open Arms” continues with a similarly traditional rock band soundscape, but this track also incorporates mellow country elements and even hints of ambient punk, generating an ever-changing musical landscape that maintains a feeling of optimism and hope even through sections of minor chords and heavy motifs.

York highlights his talent on guitar in the EP’s final track entitled “Journey’s End” a soft, sweet tune without percussion that relies heavily on fingerpicking and riffing on electric guitars. The ambient atmosphere of the song carries over in the listener’s mind even after the song’s ending, serving as a peaceful conclusion to the record.

​Overall, Soundtrack in My Head Pt 1 explores the limits of what can be achieved solely through musical instrumentation without employing the use of vocals. Elliot York has shown himself to be a highly skilled and talented musician with a knack for combining complementary sounds in catchy, harmonious patterns, and listeners will be anticipating the next two installments of his project.

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