Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Ellis Easley - Awful Insticts

6/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Ellis Easley

Awful Instincts
self-released; 2015

3.5 out of 5

​By Ted Rogen

Daniel Ellis Easley aka Ellis Easley is a songwriter hailing from Houston, Texas. He began writing the five-song EP Awful Instincts back in 2014 and it was released at the beginning of last year.

Easley creates uplifting yet melancholic folk music that reminded me of Silversun Pickups, Local Natives and Bon Iver. At the center of these songs is a guitar and vocals. That being said the piano, vocal harmonies, drums and more add an extra layer of emotional appeal.

As for the production I'd say it is not quite something you would expect from a professional studio but better than the average DIY home recording. The one thing the EP did need was to be properly mastered as some of the songs were noticeably louder than others. He starts with the title track which is a solid track that contains nice rolling grooves and superb vocal harmonies. His lead vocals sound a bit tortured on this song but work against the music. 

The highlight on the EP was ”Original Species.” It starts with a warm synth and percussion that gives way to guitar. You can tell right away this song is one you will remember as it gives off a sense of perseverance and hope. The chorus which is the finest moment on the EP is memorable and on par with something you would hear from the Local Natives. I did have one issue with the song and that was that the vocals almost sound like a rap towards the end of the song. They sounded out of place and ruined the beautiful harmonies. 

Easley doesn't hit the heights of “Original Species” again but there are some inspired moments along the way. “The Boy Who Found He Could Fly” is fairly straightforward folk song that feels like it lived in a more commercially viable place while “Remind Me” has a classic ’60s folk vibe. “Skeletons” is the runner up on the EP. The vocal harmonies are an integral part of the song and something that Easley should continue to use. 

Easley is at his best when he rides an optimistic, triumphant vibe with multiples layers like he does on “Skeletons” and ”Original Species.” This is the foundation I hope he builds his full length on.
Become A Fan
bandcamp
Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact