Firing up the brand new self-titled project from Kellan Eggleston, There Is A Sound is quick to capture a dreamy to arena-ready sound, with echoing guitars and live drums taking their time to embrace audiences and set a likable groove.
As we progress, the voice is distantly mixed, humble and nearly whispered – somewhere between the likes of Bowie and Morrissey, just briefly; this is quickly a style of its own.
Beautifully captured for that reverb-kissed ethereal chamber of contemplation, There Is A Sound pours through like a nostalgic feeling of depth and wonder. The song achieves a sense of intimacy and vastness all at once, utilising contrast beautifully from these lower-toned verses to the impassioned and higher-pitched hook.
All at once we get the escapism of alternative thoughtfulness, and the catchy appeal of a timeless earworm. To then weave in the sultry and smooth tones of a saxophone solo for the middle-8 is to top things off in a practically perfect way.
Seven tracks in full make up the Kellan Eggleston EP, and eclecticism is a clear trait throughout. We’re guided by faster rhythms and a surf-rock riff for The Other Side Of Here, a certain brightness and bounce that’s welcomed after the mellow vibe of the opener. Once again, Kellan lets the music work its magic, the voice being a minimal part of an already immersive and wonderful arrangement.
Drive Away furthers the surf-rock sliding optimism of the sound, the old-school capture again presenting in a humble and heartfelt yet dreamy manner. The result is a series of deeply personal songs, but which feel distant and detached enough to simply be made your own; based on wherever your focus may be at the time.
Kellan Eggleston carves out a distinct and honest lane with this project. Poetic images and this over wash of reverb, the guitar slides and bends, the saxophone, the vocal depth, all rings loud as unique and unmistakable.
From the joyful rhythm and melody of Crimson Glow through the cinematic Western twangs of Introspect, the music takes full command of the space, letting you escape from the weight of modern life into its authentic and playful yet deeply thoughtful comfort.
Don’t Think About Tomorrow softens the mood at just the right time – an acoustic calm raining down, and yet even with its simplicity and space, the instrumental is still gifted that rare sense of time and freedom to connect. I Wait follows with a similarly soothing and personal aura to wrap things up.
With hints of old school rock and something a little more Sam Fender-like on occasion, this project stands tall on the strength of both its songwriting and the leading artist at the helm. The voice captivates, but in a modest and intriguing fashion, and the songs do the same – balancing passion and uncertainty with a sublime sense of musicianship and groove.
