SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ELOVET – B-SIDES VOL. 1

Elovet
B-Sides Vol. 1
Independent

Elovet is a new artist from Georgia. B-Sides Vol 1 is his most recent EP and features songs that did not make his previous releases (two previous albums, and one EP). Elovet is really a one man show, Ajaye Franklin II, who is based in Atlanta, Georgia.  For the record, I don’t know what is in the drinking water in Atlanta these days, but there are some very original and talented artists coming out of that city.

Elovet is no exception. The music here is not instantly accessible, but it is brilliant. He layers sounds, music and words in such a way that the music requires repeat listenings, and each time through, it just gets better and better.

His music is very difficult to describe. This is ambient music with a bit of a twist. At times frightening and other times it has a very innocent sound. Elovet plays all the instruments, and uses many samples, but is restrained. I imagine he could layer excessively with sound effects, and yet he seems to know when to ease up and when to go full on. He respects space and silence.

His musicianship is very distinct and  he is very talented. This guy is just beginning and the music he is producing is on par with some artists who have been perfecting their craft for several years.  He has great pacing of the music and has a natural rhythm.  His mixing of sounds is truly staggering and in combination with his music, he produces a very unique sound.

The sound is remarkably sparse. As noted,  Elovet is not afraid to use silence and space to accentuate a point. He does this with great effect on “RX1 – The Storm”, which is the highlight of the album. This song was originally recorded for the album Rift, and I am glad he chose to save it for this release, it works better on its own.

Elovet is just getting started. He is talent and seems to have a lot to say. The ‘lyrical’ content is sparse but hard hitting when it flows in. This is very original music and I look forward to hearing more. My only complaint with the EP is it is too short. I wish B-sides Vol 1 had more material on it and was much longer. Surely there must be more songs in the can he could have added. Having said that, what is here is fantastic and worth the effort to track his music down and well worth the time to listen.

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