Slick riffs and gentle fingerpicking, a strong groove and a heartfelt sense of poetic expression – Tel Aviv songwriter and artist Eyal Erlich recently launched a series of live videos with his band, and the results highlight soulful depth and talented musicianship across the board.
Beginning with All in All, the band set the mood with all of the above, a slowly rising energy of smooth soul-rock layers, with acoustic finger picking from frontman Eyal Erlich – almost two minutes of instrumental introduction, before short lines dive into metaphorical images and self-reflection to softly further the embrace of the music.
All in All is a great song, resounding for its passionate peak, maintaining a sultry kind of melancholic longing, with stunning electric guitar solos lighting up the spaces in between vocals.
As we move into Jenny, Eyal’s voice reaches fresh nuances and peaks – a quirky alt-rock single with a boldly distinct melody and performance style, and something a little more distorted and intense from the band. We’re almost leaning towards the tremolo and alternative stylings of Radiohead, but Eyal’s voice in both story and tone maintains his recognisable artistry.
Versatility is always a strength with a live set, and these two releases both contrast and compliment one-another well.
Next we get a little more of that bluesy soulful space and depth. Already In is deeply revealing, a personal outcry but one that’s soft and again spacious, letting the music and vocal intricacies work their magic in line with these fearlessly vulnerable lyrics.
Another divine falsetto hook raises the pulse, the energy and passion evolving throughout, and the final groove is quite euphoric as the music confidently fills the space.
Finally, darkness and longing capture the essence of all that came before, as the impressive musicianship, unity and expressive desire of I Wish I Knew breaks hearts and uplifts all at once. From quiet and contemplative to bold and beautiful, there’s a desperation to the performance and arrangement, which aptly reinforces the implications of this title and story.
It’s a relatable ache, the music soulfully commanding the stage, and both humility and heart again taking precedence, as Eyal Erlich and band captivate with faultless precision and feeling.
Find Eyal Erlich on Facebook & Instagram.
