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Aethellis

Aethellis

Review by Josh Turner

Sometimes curious children venture out into the woods to an isolated spot and make simple discoveries. These mischievous miscreants find an interesting bug under a hidden rock, see crayfish swimming in creeks, or observe exotic butterflies suckling on the surrounding plants. These wonders are out of sight for those who keep on common ground. To find them takes initiative. Looking below the surface or around the corner will not typically uncover something new and exciting, but every now and then a pleasant surprise will emerge.

That is how I feel about Aethellis. This project with a silly name is the brainchild of a single man named Ellsworth R. Hall. Many people would not give it a second thought. That would be their mistake. The album is the rare stone overturned that reveals a bounty of new revelations. The album is enjoyable and quite an achievement for a sole musician. It is surprising this individual has gone undetected. This album really deserves some attention.

For more info, or to order the CD, point your browser to www.aethellis.com/.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2004 Year Book Volume 1 at https://garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2003-and-2004/.

Track by Track Review
Tie and Handkerchief
From the onset, this artist exposes his talent. This will appeal to those who like symphonic music. It is laden with keyboard melodies and the digi-drums actually work here. It is a cross between classic and neo-progressive rock.
Saint Augustus
This sounds a bit like Electric Light Orchestra. The harmonies are clever. The numerous transitions are seamless. The voice of this artist is similar to the pop icon Morrissey.
Hubris
Opening with piano, his cut is more subdued. A soft serenade shortly joins in. Eventually, other symphonic elements accompany the singer. The digi-drums take on a groovy beat. As it continues along, the rhythm gets more funky and strange. The song reminds me of Talking Heads. A recurring theme sounds like a Vincent Price monologue
Portal
The track begins with a formula similar to the last, but segues into a ruminating ballad. Nimble keystrokes play on the piano.
Djibouti
The theme from a piano recital changes into eighties electronica then to a scene from a jazz café. Some of these melodies would be welcome on a Sting album.
Final Affinity
Ellsworth spares no expense in this final piece. The song uses what seasoning remains seated on the spice rack. The album will leave your taste buds reeling with a pungent, yet pleasant aftertaste.
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