ALBUM REVIEW by Ear to the ground music

Thanks Ear To The Ground Music for a stellar review of the new album!

Click HERE to read the review in full.

Fans of Americana that features rock guitars are going to find a lot to like with this new album from Jelly Ellington. This album is right in the sweet spot, combining multiple genres that all swirl around the central theme of “Americana” music.

The vocal on the title track “Glow” gives some late 20th century rock vibes, for sure. The overall sound feels like it mixes some of what we all loved with 90s alt rock with some hard-driving guitar and percussive work. In short, you’ll want this one in your driving playlist… and you won’t worry about how high you turn the dial because the louder the better with this one! I’ve been telling people for the past few years that we’re looking for “gritty” Americana and, moving forward, I might just use this track as the benchmark. From the early days of the site with Matthew Mayfield to the more recent sounds of Jason Isbell, the rock-focused Americana flavored sound is definitely one that is central to our site’s identity.

“Sail On” follows with a bit more of a chill energy, including some synth work that feels like it’s from a different genre altogether. But if you give it time, it will come around to a comfortable blues-rock place that feels familiar. If you are a fan of Sturgill Simpson’s psych album, you’ll dig this track. “Free your mind” is a central motif, but musically and lyrically here.

“Somebody to Love” has more of a pop rock flavor to it, including the funkiest bassline on the album, and an almost Michael Jackson-like dance rhythm. It’s different than the rest of the album, but I’m not mad about it. We do all, indeed, somebody to love. It’s a love song with a healthy dose of desire and the form fits the message, if I’m honest. These lyrics need a groove; you can’t sing these words to a sad Americana tune. This is a good fit.

The following track “The Night” has a heavy percussive energy followed by rock guitars more like the opener. Some of the riffs here bring a dynamic rock sound that brings together classic rock and blues for something deeply satisfying. “Goodbye Rain” brings back the synth, but it does so again to set a mood that’s distinct; the acoustic guitar makes it feel like we’re about to move into “Free Bird” territory, but fear not it stays original and poetic. When the piano chords enter the composition, the full texture feels like a departure from Americana, but not in a bad way. This shows the softer side of rock and it has a place here as well.

The penultimate track “Copperhead Blues” caught my attention with a cool name; having grown up in northern Appalachia in tributaries of the Ohio River, I knew to look out for copperheads. These sounds feel like they were forged in a deeper, southern part of Appalachia, but nevertheless echo those same creeks and hills that I ran as a kid. The bluegrass element here warms my heart and the blues feel deeply relatable. This is leaps and bounds my favorite on the album. You could play this track in any bar around where I grew up and get applause. It’s a killer sound.

“Irons in the Fire” ends the album with a calm love song style. It’s about finding someone that is “all you need.” The acoustic guitar does a great job of keeping a calm, cathartic energy. The lyrics are accessible and engaging. If you are lucky enough to find that special someone in your life, this song will relate for sure.

So yeah, this is a solid album from start to finish. I think everyone will find songs they like more than others based on genre and mood fit, but there’s really something here for everyone. I call it Americana, but it has a range from blues to roots country to more recent synth rock. It’s all here, but it all works.

- Greg Jones // Ear To The Ground Music