Effervescent, Dull Days - EP review
Shropshire vocal harmony trio Effervescent have released their debut EP, full of tinkling pop flicks and harmonised vocals.
The former The Ticket Unsigned page stars have had some upheaval since we spoke to them this summer - Georgia Clark has come in to provide keys and one third of the vocals, replacing Jay Morrison-Little. But that hasn't pushed them off their course and this release showcases pleasant pop.
Utilising piano/keyboards and guitars, they mixed the record at Base Studios in Stourbridge, all five tracks produced by Simon Henley who also played drums and bass to give them a fuller sound.
One of these more complete band sounds is on Isn't It Good. it has a slight attitude to it with the electro elements, kind of like Walsall's Jorja Smith achieved on her terrific single Blue Lights. The girls - Georgia, Laura Powell and Harriet Rose - combine effortlessly for the punchy chorus and the funky, strutting bassline adds swagger.
READ MORE: Shropshire unsigned trio Effervescent rising in harmony
Opener Bound To Be also has that stomping undercurrent, although this time it feels more determined and forward-thinking. With Simon's drums slapping the track towards its goal, there's something of a coming-of-age aura about the delivery with its hard-hitting piano mixed in with Laura's agitated guitars.
Another Girl is an alternate, slight fusion as country comes into the mix. Think of the big country-pop hits of the 90s - Shania Twain we're looking at you here. It feels more heartbroken, the vocals of all three emanating anguish.
Blind Faith is the quietest track. It relies more on their piano than the others before it. Again that downbeat vibe comes through, but not in a negative way. The emotive interlude before the final vocal flourish is attention-grabbing and enigmatic.
Closer My Mind & I settles back into the big pop chorus sound with its string backing, a sing-along moment that must be a crowd pleaser in live shows.
It's a solid start from the trio, and now we wait to see where they go next.
Rating: 6/10
The Dull Days EP is released today and is available to stream and buy on digital platforms iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play. Physical copies are available to buy from the band via their Facebook and Twitter. They launch the EP tonight from 9pm at Albert's Shed in Shrewsbury, with support from Jonny Keeley of Fight The Bear. Entry is free.
