February Birthdays 
Shoot the Pier - Low Hangs The Moon (EP)
Got my copy from Bill & Ellie yesterday, and after the Halloween madness passed, I've gotten a few spins with it.
What stands out to me is the the growth and evolution of their sound and song writing. They've arrived at a place where the tunes are on the darker, mellower side - and that's not a bad thing. I'm not being disingenuous when I suggest they have a very Bambi Molesters "Dark Wave Swells" vibe going on, and it's great. Bonus points for being totally self recorded, produced, mixed and mastered.
The Polls. There's something very B-52's-ish (think self titled/first record) about the bass line and melody here. There is a bit of tension and some reserve about the song that swells ebbs - teasing, never quite cresting - but taking you right to the edge. It's got a seductive sense that makes you wanna hear it all over again.
Green Room Meditation. Less a structured song, per-se, much more a swirling and hypnotic grove with a very splashy reverb rhythm that opens the track, disappears, then sneaks back in to remind you of the surf experiences that inspired it. Not spy, but there's a mysterious spirit in the melody that sets the tone, along with a tasteful touch of synth and some spatial guitar effects to add color to the meditative state.
Low Hangs The Moon. As Bill & Ellie write a song, you can hear them posted on their ReverbNation page - you often need not wait for the next release. All along, I thought The Poles was going to be my favorite on this upcoming EP. I have a new favorite from the batch hearing Low Hangs The Moon again. Catchy sea like melody here to weave through the song. My favorite part - there is a lot going on in the secondary layers of this song. I mentioned this to Bill the first time I heard it and still fell this way; there is a very Radiohead Kid A type thing going on - which is to say the rhythm and percussion sections are deceptive - at first you don't notice them, but they peek in and grab you then fade to the background to make room for the melody. Careful though - the've not disappeared, just moved. Listen closely and you feel it pulsing all along. LOVE how the melody/lead and rhythms come together on this one. A brilliant cut and definitely my favorite Shoot The Pier song.
Surfer Lost. A song dedicated to those surfers who lost their lives doing what Bill & Ellie love (living life to it's fullest). If I recall correctly, this was written shortly after Andy Irons passed (about this time last year.) Lots of musical layers - beautiful composition, many interwoven textures including some dark brass horn(s), unless my ears are playing tricks on me(?). It is somber but also has moments of dreamy energy - it all comes together very nicely.
Emily sitting on her board waiting for one last wave reflecting on the day. The perfect ending to this EP - a dreamy little number that shimmers like the sunset glistening on the ripples of the ocean. You know it's winding down and fading away, and that's ok. It's been a good day.
I know Bill & Ellie wrestled a bit with seeming to write "only dark sounding" songs lately. Perhaps it's the perfect timing, but listening to these songs as an EP right now as fall has settled in and it feels like winter isn't too far away - it's all so fitting and works so well. Nice work!
I'm really enjoying this EP, and if you've read this far, I think you should give it a listen too. You can hear the songs on their Reverbnation page, and watch their videos there too. Reach out to Bill (SurferBill) if you're interested in getting a physical CD.
Nicely Done Bill, Ellie!!
ps - I don't think you could have had a better image for the cover work, nor title for that matter - so apropos! Totally fitting for the soundscape you've put together here. Maybe I should have just posted the picture to save the 1,000 words ; )
Fady
El Mirage @ ReverbNation
Last edited: Nov 02, 2011 08:12:00
