EP REVIEW: Elessar - IT'S NOT THAT DEEP
Who are Elessar: Ricky Powell - Vocals, Guitar, Alex Evans - Guitar,
Dan James - Drums
From: Cheltenham, UK
Formed: 2016
Career to date: The band released their debut single ‘Is It Love’ in 2020. “IT’S NOT THAT DEEP” is the band's debut EP, they started releasing singles from it back in 2021.
Following: 516 Spotify followers and over 400 monthly listens.
Being completely honest I wasn't sure about "IT'S NOT THAT DEEP" on first listen. It's pop-rock often leaning very heavily on the pop side and initially struck me as too commercial but after a few listens I came to understand that that's what makes the EP great. It crosses boundaries and bridges a divide between pop fans and rock fans. It's uptempo, with some very N-Sync style vocals at times to appeal to those who favour chart music but it blast enough with plenty of killer guitars to vibe with out and out rock fans.
There's lots of pop melodies and lyrics that tell melancholic tales of lost love contrasted with stories of happy endings. It's deep but like the band says "not that deep". There's a multitude of anthemic choruses, smooth vocals, hints of metalcore, nu-metal and some serious danceability that cries out for a choreographed dance routine!
I must admit I’m not a fan of opener “VICES”. It grew on me somewhat but regardless of how many times I listened from a variety of different mindsets it just felt that bit too commercial. The weakest track on the EP in my opinion. There are some killer drums throughout which I found myself focusing on.
'THE FALL' has a catchy pop punk melody, captivating vocals and an infectious hook. I love the melancholia in the lyrics with the line "love doesn't save us all" hitting hard.
"GOLD' is a really interesting track. It starts off sounding like it was straight out of the Britpop era before grooving it up with some funky guitars and the band's signature infectious chorus. In contrast to 'THE FALL' and its sombre tone 'GOLD' beams with positivity.
I really like the surfy sound of 'YOU & I' with its plodding drums and its chaotic, uptempo, singalong chorus. There's a nice punk-ish chanty verse too that really made it stand out and become my firm favourite on the EP.
'MI AMOR' is another boyband-esque track with a bit of an 80's edge. There's an epic guitar solo and another anthemic chorus!
Ending the EP is 'LOVESICK' which is like softcore nu-metal with some interesting rap rock going on. You know the drill by now this one too has an epic chorus. The lyrics blast "I know what you want and I want you to need me" which is quite poniagant as I'm sure we've all been in a situation where either someone can't see our worth or we can't see theirs.
Overall "IT'S NOT THAT DEEP" for me was a grower, 5 of the tracks grew on me completely, one not so much but I can definitely see a place for Elessar in most people's music collections. They're a likeable, versatile band who I think have a lot more to give.
Watch this space Camp Elessar is just getting started!
