After a promising start with their debut EP ‘Where I Belong’ in 2015, Reading-based Elasea are back with another batch of hard-hitting alternative tracks. The first record showed promise but its nomadic wandering through various styles lacked a clear identity; ‘Lesson Learnt’ is an appropriate name for this follow-up EP, as it addresses these earlier problems to offer a cohesive, refined record.
Elasea’s powerful alt-rock style is similar to Young Guns and Mallory Knox and first track ‘Breathe’ is as good as anything you’d expect from their peers. An atmospheric guitar pattern builds into a strong succession of chords and catchy vocals and is a continuation of the strong foundation the band built before, proving they’re able to write consistently strong tracks.
‘Time Stops’ introduces a heavier edge that’s similar in tone to Exit Ten and the added bite from the crunching riffs invites a darker tone to the record. It’s an effect that Elasea attempted on the previous record but its integration is much smoother here, adding emphasis rather than skewing and confusing the core sound. ‘Time Stops’ also offers a first taste of Liv Jones’ backing vocals, which adds another fresh dimension and tone.
‘On My Own’ continues the heavier theme before ‘Walls’ brings things full circle, closing the record with the same anthemic alt-rock approach as the opener. The infectious chorus and driving instrumentals work well and, as with the rest of the EP, the natural, unintrusive production helps draw out the raw power of the music. Some of the bigger, more recognisable bands in this genre have become homogenised due to glossy production methods and studio techniques so it’s refreshing to hear the authenticity and emotion resonating from this record. Andy Bradford’s distinctive vocals play a large part in this; rather than softening his unmistakable British accent, he projects it with confidence, and in doing so gives the band a distinctive voice and character.
‘Lesson Learnt’ proves you don’t need tricks when you’ve got really well written, well executed songs. Where the first EP showed promise, this instalment proves Elasea are capable of evolving and maturing their sound and now they’ve arrived at something well-rounded, they’re set up very well for the future.
MARK JOHNSON