The Full EP Release from Ethel's Odyssey Has Arrived
The full EP drop from Ethel's Odyssey is here and this record is a vastly experimental but deep rooted experience for anyone who wants to delve into the depths of jazz infused, almost cinematic soundscapes, each drifting into different areas of electronic aesthetics and Japanese subculture.
The release blends hints of classic rock into the mix and utilizes an abundance of percussion and keys along with robust bass to create atmospheres that have a way of engulfing you.
Among the almost random, rambunctious segments, you get flowing progressions that feel warm in tone. Songs like "Nara" encompass that well. Thick organs and welcoming bass lines give off a semi-colorful pop undertone but really leans heavily into that classic rock realm.
Throughout the record you can hear a slew of influences coming through and this track displays a lot of the vintage tonality some inspirations are bred from.
Throughout the song, you have Japanese samples of public announcements that five you some additional perspective.
The record was brought on by the artist's travels through Japan and the announcement aspects help put you in those moments well.
The approach to drumming and synths is pretty amazing. It has this strange way of feeling lush or very full-bodied even though it is much more tripped down.
The first and title track "Shrine", comes in with a great progression performed on expansive, classic toned kesy before opening up into a deep pocketed groove. I love how tracks like this are danceable while still remaining so outside the box. The drum performance is outstanding and really gives such life to the song.
This track feels very filmic to me. It's likely the synths but the bass is also really good. That combination of wheeling and melody with some killer changes.
Each song kind of has its own vibe but as the record unfolds, you get that sense of heavy melodic drive along with the live performance feel.
Those synths can sound like violins add trickles of additional notes and accents to all kinds of sections and the japanese samples and voices are still prevalent in the mix.
This really socks you up and brings you into this other world and it's all such a beautifully constructed escape, honestly.
"Bullet Train" is the wildest of the bunch with a much more upswing pace and raw energy that hits pretty hard.
It almost thrashes in a semi-pink manner, which again, is a cool separation from the other tracks on the release.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a great example of some of the many influences the artist holds close.
The most experimental has to be the closing track called "*Bit Cafe", which is like a chiptune track that feels youthful, colorful, and sort of freeing. I like the tones of the synths used as they give me bouts of nostalgia. Growing up in the 80s, playing classic video games, a lot of those had that same synth tone to them. It was quite inviting.
Shrine is a fun release that showcases an artist who creates with fewer boundaries than whatever you may be used to. Something more artists should aim towards.
So, most certainly dig into this record as soon as you can and do it with headphones on so you can really soak it all in the way it was meant to ne heard.
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