--Ada Wofford
----Released 15 May 2020
There’s no one named Frank in The Music of Frank Ellis. In an effort to avoid clashes of ego, the band collectively decided that they’d all contribute and yet none of them would contribute. They created their own muse, Frank Ellis, a ghost who tells them what to write. It’s a pretty cool concept and makes the songs feel as if they’re collectively building a world to exist in; one we just visit as listeners. I met vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Damian Bugg, in my Face Book group Ugly Guitars so, I’ve been able to follow the creation of this EP from its inception to its final mastering.
Because the band is so collaborative, there is a wide range of sounds and influences to be found across these 6 tracks. The band is at their best when they hold back and let themselves indulge in melancholy riffage and noisy fuzz. There’s an overall 90s feel to this album—It’s a little lo-fi, a little sad, but also a little fun. It lacks a center in the way that so many indie 90s albums did and while this might be cause for critique, I find it makes the album more charming and genuine.
The Music of Frank Ellis in the studio
There are three singers on the album and everyone holds their own. Kaity Arango’s voice on album closer “Bitter House” is the quintessential definition of the phrase hauntingly beautiful (as are the guitars on the track), bringing to mind the brilliant Third by Portishead. Other highlights include “It Was, It Was” and “The Basin” both possessing a bit of early Death Cab and Songs: Ohia in their sparse structure and muffled, melancholy riffs.
Damian Bugg had this to say about the band’s process and gear:
The entire LP was recorded in our rehearsal space over 6 or 7 days. We used a Tascam Model 24 into a Mac with Pro Tools. Guitars and bass were recorded with a DI as well as mic’d with an AKG condenser.
Bailey Arango's rig
I used a Fender Telesonic on almost every track paired with a Quilter Aviator 2x10. Bailey used a mix of a Telecaster Plus and PRS Silver Sky into a Fender Deluxe Reverb. Kaity used a 1970s Lyle bass into an Ampeg. Orion used a Gretsch kit in 20, 12, 14 configuration with Ludwig Supersonic and Acrolite snares. Our album was recorded and mixed by Joel Tefteller from, The Elephant. He was fantastic to work with and is a dear friend and also one of the best song writers I know.
Damian Bugg's rig
I’m so excited to see what The Music of Frank Ellis comes up with next. For their first ever EP, To Be Frank is a strong and promising start. The band is tight, the guitar solos are amazing (like they will melt your face off amazing), and there’s certainly no shortage of vocal talent—As long as the ghost of Frank Ellis continues to communicate with this band, the next album will be something very, very special. So, write it down: The Music of Frank Ellis. This is a band to watch.
Purchase the album via Bandcamp HERE. Follow them on FaceBook and Instagram. And check out a live video of their track, "The Basin" below:
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