Friday, October 10, 2014

EP Review :: East of Ely - East of Ely




East of Ely

East of Ely

October 24 2014 (digital)

7/10

Words: Linn Branson


East of Ely (that's Ely of the Sydney, Australia ilk, by the way, in case you thought we were landing somewhere in the region of Ipswich...in Suffolk, England) have finally put out a debut EP of four tracks. Now on that count there is both good and bad news: good that it has surfaced at last; bad that two of the tracks - 'Came Without', 'Easy Friend' - have been floated on the sound-streaming ether for some time.

That said, it's hard not to feel a bit short-changed, although possibly a minor gripe as there will undoubtedly be those coming to this EP who are EOE virgins. 'Came Without', originally released last December, is filled with the Ely trademark of bouncy hooks and electronic melodies. 'Easy Friend', which was the quintet's first offering last July, proved itself a sweet and sophisticated debut, full of shimmery synths and layers of warm southern hemisphere sunniness.

Of the two 'newer' tracks, latest single 'Waterfalls' contains some delightful synth ripples of electro pop, with the falsetto-reaching vocal points giving it a little extra frisson. However, it is closer 'Proud' that strikes a less synthed-up, more melodic and textured note; with a catchy chorus line and some nicely worked electronic effects, it is arguably the standout of the EP.



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