ELLIOTT MORRIS – Shadows and Whispers EP
aaamusic | On 08, Jan 2014
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – it is just so refreshing to hear people MAKING music with INSTRUMENTS these days. In an age where technology advances quicker than humans, the music business has been saturated with electronically made music. I’ll be honest, I’m a fan in certain scenarios, but to actually chill and relax to… Where have all the musicians gone?!
Enter Elliott Morris. He’s actually been on the scene for a while, having been featured by BBC Introducing. According to other people’s opinions of him, he’s very good at guitar percussion (think Newton Faulkner). That’s something I read after I’d heard this EP, and was a bit confused in all honesty.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very good and nice EP. It’s the kind of music that, if I were to have a dinner party, I would have on in the background. It’s accessible to everyone, he’s got a very lovely voice and a clear tone that has a kind of innocent quality, very endearing. His guitar playing is very chilled out and has a nice feel to it. BUT. There’s just nothing in the EP that really bites me.
The lyrics in ‘Unquiet Grave’ sounded as though they’d been taken from an old poem: “I only had but one true love/And in a cold grave she was lain.” Personally not a fan of gushy lyrics, but it works for him. ‘Eyes’ was more upbeat and had a nice harmony, and I liked the intricacy of the guitar at the end, but thought it could have done to have a few stronger harmonies.
‘Smoke and Mirrors’ has a really nice touch at the end as there’s an accordion present. It reminds of the start of that Pogues Christmas song, but without the crude lyrics. ‘Fare Thee Well’ was a bit dry in the vocals department, but I did really love the instrumentation.
Elliott Morris, if you read this, please don’t think I’m mean and nasty. Overall, it’s a lovely EP; really nice and listenable, and almost anyone would enjoy this. The guitar playing is flawless, and the voice itself is exquisite. But next time, something with a bit more ZING in it, please?
Emma Dodds
