Listen: Elder Island - "Garden" [Premiere]
Following the haphazard, enigmatic “What It’s Worth” in May this year, Elder Island introduce the release of their debut self-titled EP with the stark, laid-back stylings of “Garden”. The band continue to showcase their ability to create soulful, funk-tinged melodies without lending themselves to any specific genre.
Where “What It’s Worth” was an exercise in building upon erratic percussion that was almost at odds with singer Katy Sargent’s smoky, stunning vocals, “Garden” is a far more stripped-back, haunting affair, with Sargent’s voice starkly showcased against instrumentation that is all the more captivating in its sparseness.
The rapport between Sargent’s rich tone and the male harmonies introduced into the mix perfectly contrast against the minimalistic sound that gives “Garden” its edge, creating an almost eerie atmosphere that is an interesting and unexpected contrast to the upbeat, charmingly uncoordinated feel of their previous release.
Despite still retaining some RnB influences, Elder Island continue to avoid being boxed into a specific genre or era, instead creating a timeless and ambient sound. The trio’s almost effortless ability to consistently hone a sound that remains similarly captivating and atmospheric throughout their releases, yet cannot be easily likened to anything else, makes Elder Island all the more engrossing in their ability to avoid pigeonholing. The mellow, sophisticated “Garden” is further proof that sometimes its best to just let the music do the talking - especially when it’s as continually compelling as Elder Island’s.
Elder Island is released today, 28 July via Four Thieves Records.
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