ELLES BAILEY // BENEATH THE NEON GLOW // Album Review

This Bristol-born artist delivers a serene Blues / Jazz / Country album that floats on the airwaves like a kite on a soft breeze. The opener ‘Enjoy The Ride’ is slow moving, like a train gliding through the nighttime landscape. Something else I discovered and can’t be denied is the more you listen the more it reveals.

Elles Bailey paints pastoral pictures with her instruments and voice, her songwriting skills take you to the outer galaxy where you can observe all that unfolds around you, like the music, you gradually absorb the bigger picture.

In our wonderful world of music, you don’t need to rush or go at full speed al the time. Sometimes it’s nice to slow down, to let yourself drift in a lazy, hazy place. Where you have time to take in the splendour and beauty. ‘Beneath The Neon Glow’ gives you the chance to do just that.

It all also gives you the chance to escape the grind of the 9 to 5 rush hour as you take in the in the aspects of friendships and the many facets of love, as Elles’s voice takes you on an intimate journey, that is about making your own choices with no regrets. I am sure that the ten tracks on offer will take you on a trip of self-discovery, so just enjoy the ride.

‘Ballad Of A Broken Dream’ has a Stevie Nicks feel, as you are treated to an acoustic countrified song, which features some excellent piano as her voice drips with raw passion and emotion. Elles has created a great discography through her previous efforts which has seen her get much acclaim, ‘Beneath The Neon Glow’ is her 5^th album and her husky vocals and instrumental prowess will surely lead to greater things. ‘1972’ has a funky feel as we go back to an era of flares the retro feel benefits from Horns and the 1970’s production adds to the feel and overall vibe.

‘Silhouette In A Sunset’ is a heart felt ballad which tackles failed friendships and relationships, it quickly becomes a standout song for me. It is sung with passion, tinged with memories and regret, the poignancy can not be understated. The guitar solo is emotive then the piano keys add a tearful feel.

I think by now you are getting a sense of the magic on offer, ‘Let It Burn’ is another immediate favourite of mine the heartbreak of a breakup, sends shivers of intensity at the realisation that comes with the knowledge that you are not wanted anymore. The pain does burn, burn, burn.

I am expecting a fantastic evening when I see her at the Cambridge Junction at the end of August. As for this album, it is an aural delight. ‘Turn Off The News’ closes the album with a powerful message, don’t be complacent as global issues pour from our screens, brilliantly poignant and effective.

Elles Bailey ‘Beneath The Neon Glow’, is out now via Cooking Vinyl.

Review: Paul Mace