Ezra Bell

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… This Way To Oblivion

Dutch, 2020

9/10

Listen to … This Way To Oblivion

The Portland folk-pop ensemble Ezra Bell return with a brief but exciting album where their multifaceted approach unfolds with both meticulous and frisky tunes, all of which are atypical but easy to embrace.

“I Love You Too” starts the listen with warm guitar alongside the distinct vocals from Benjamin Wuamett as the opener builds into a full indie-rock meets chamber rock experience, and “Shhh, The Dog Is Sleeping” follows with a quirky approach as playful percussion and horns highlight the setting.

Further along, the bright keys of “Tanner Thorne” help make this one of the album’s best, and the diverse instrumentation certainly doesn’t hurt either, while “Sherrie Sue” puts female vocals in front, though the bulk of the tune is instrumental and experimental, though never esoteric in its unconventional nature. “Raise Your Hand If You Slept In Your Clothes” then recruits an old time feel that sounds like it could soundtrack a speak easy as jazz and gospel nods are in attendance.

Before they exit, “5th And James” brings a busy display of lush song craft, and “Stipulations Don’t Suit You” finishes the listen with a glorious execution of keys, horns and dynamic interaction between the very skilled musicians.

It’s hard not to think of luminaries like The Decemberists and Mumford & Sons when listening to Ezra Bell, though the sextet certainly are forging a path entirely their own, and it’s one that gets better with each subsequent album.

Travels well with: Animal Years- Far From Home; Neighbor Lady- Maybe Later