Artist: Eisley
Album: Deep Space EP
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Label: Equal Vision Records

The beauty of music is that it can create in listeners a range of emotions. Eisley have always been a band that thrive on this feeling, conveying love, pain, hurt, and hope throughout their oh-so-lovely indie pop rock. After the release of their fantastic album, The Valley, the band headed back into the studio to record more new material, in the form of an EP, which quickly changed from a B-sides compilation to a collection of five new songs, in the form of the Deep Space EP.


The first of the five tracks, "Lights Out," is not without some of the edgy soundscapes heard on The Valley, conveyed in the song's swaying chorus, filled with raw energy, balanced out by a delicate piano part. "Laugh It Off" takes on a dreamy indie pop feel, much like some of Eisley's older songs, and features backing vocals from the talented Christie DuPree, a sister to four fifths of the band and a cousin to the other. The title track of Deep Space proves to be the highlight of the bunch, with an airy atmosphere set by bursting guitars and Sherri DuPree's graceful vocals. For those who heard the band's '09 EP, Fire Kite, "192 Days" may sound familiar, as a fully produced version appears on Deep Space, adding more of a full sound to its vintage pop bliss. The sweet "One Last Song" quickly ends the EP, and does it just the right way, a cheery little love song with delightful lyrics, driven by piano until a tempo change towards the song's climax.

Overall: Deep Space is the perfect way for Eisley to follow up their stellar full length from last year, The Valley. The EP is short and sweet, with an ethereal atmosphere, provided by the enchanting vocals of Sherri and Stacy DuPree, and the driving guitars and percussion which provide a strong backing and are sonically stunning, displayed especially on the title track. My only problem with Deep Space is that it ends too quickly, but after all, it is only an EP, and an exceptionally good one at that.


Rating: 9/10


Reviewed by Brooks Ginnan


Tracklisting:

1. Lights Out
2. Laugh It Off
3. Deep Space
4. 192 Days
5. One Last Song

(Buy Here)

Artist: Eisley
Album: The Valley
Release Date: 3/1/11
Label: Equal Vision Records

Heartbreak and pain are common things that we are all bound to feel in our lives, and the DuPree sisters, that make up three-fifths of Eisley, are no strangers to the feeling. The Valley comes as a result of these painful times, with lyrics that at times strike as angry, while others show sadness that the band has dealt with through the years. The songs are executed in a good manner, with the band's indie pop/rock style showing to be on top of its game.

Captivating strings draw in the listener on the opening title track, where a bit more edgy alternative rock sound is ventured into on songs such as the angsty "Smarter," "Sad," and "Better Love." The hand clapping, piano-driven "Watch It Die" bursts into a memorable chorus, and vibrant strings give the slower "Oxygen Mask" a nice touch. A golden acoustic intro and swooning harmonies of "whoa-oo" make up "I Wish."

Slower, soothing rhythms take their place on "Kind" and the calming "Mr. Moon," which are followed by the mournful "Please," before the hauntingly dark "Ambulance" ends The Valley on a reassuring note, that the wait for a new album from Eisley was certainly worth it.

Overall: It's amazing to see beauty drawn out of pain, showing on Eisley's latest. Lush piano-strokes, both edgy and soothing guitars, vibrant strings and catchy percussion and bass are only a few things that add to the enchanting melodies and harmonies heard on The Valley. Those looking for an overall harmonious and beautiful album can look no farther, for Eisley have not disappointed with their long overdue release.

Rating: 8/10

Tracklisting:

1. The Valley
2. Smarter
3. Watch It Die
4. Sad
5. Oxygen Mask
6. Better Love
7. I Wish
8. Kind
9. Mr. Moon
10. Please
11. Ambulance

(Buy Here)

On March 1st, indie rockers Eisley will be releasing their long awaited new full length album, titled The Valley. It will be released through Equal Vision Records. In the mean time, you can listen to and download two free songs from the album here.