Having gone through open-heart surgery prior to recording Eels new album, ‘Eels Time’, it’s unsurprising to find that the album finds the American indie rock outfit in a reflective mood. The thought-provoking and gentle strum throughout the fifteenth record in their career perfectly suits what was a life-changing period in the life of the Eels mainman.
Given the period preceding the album, there is an almost haunting, sombre air to the album, even on the more upbeat numbers like “Sweet Smile”. Yes, some of the songs have a breathe of life pumped into them however, if you dig underneath the jangly guitars, there is still a sombre air floating around. The music itself is simple and uncomplicated but, at the same time, beautifully crafted. “Song For You Know Who” is haunting, both musically and lyrically, while “On The Bridge” finds frontman E in a more subdued mood.
Following a similar pace throughout, ‘Eels Time’ might find the singer reflecting on what could have been had it not been for the open-heart surgery but it also finds the singer displaying any lack of urgency as the twelve tracks meander along. Even when the tempo switches up a notch or two, don’t expect to find Eels to be in any rush to reach the finale.
“It would be a shame to waste a day like this,” ponders the singer on “Let’s Be Lucky”, the closing track on ‘Eels Time’. It’s a line which probably sums up the wake-up call the majority of us would get if in the same position as the man behind this album. That being said, ‘Eels Time’ can best be described as an album which reflects on the past while looking to a calmer, relaxed future.
To find out more about Eels or to pick up your copy of ‘Eels Time’, head over to their official website here.
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