Album Review: "Elen" by Elen



Hey guys!

 2015 is only two weeks old, yet it's already a promising year for music.
There are so many upcoming album releases which I'm ridiculously excited to share with you. 

I've already reviewed Charlie Winton's "Curio City" and today I'm here with another review of an album I'm sure a lot of you are going to love.

Artist: Elen
Title: Elen
Genre: Folk, Pop
Label: Spreading Sparks
Release: 6th February 2015
HITS rating: 8.5/10

Elen is a musician from Berlin, Germany
Her inspirations range from Tom Odell to Nirvana to Oasis. Her sound ranges from folk to pop to soul-rock. 
At the age of six years Elen took her first ever guitar lesson but soon stopped because her small fingers hurt. The passion for music has always been present for her and so she started singing, playing the keyboard and drums. At the age of 16 she then picked up the guitar again and kept playing.

 After a musician she met told her to do some busking, Elen soon found herself on the streets of Berlin, performing her songs to the people passing by. 
Her brilliant performances led to being invited to take part in the German version of "The Voice". And again her performance was strong enough to convince all four judges. 

Even though she was offered many contracts, Elen decided to crowdfund her album and release it on her own label "Spreading Sparks". That way she was able to let the music come together naturally and in a way she was completely happy with it.

And now that the release of her self-titled debut album is close, let me review it for you.

Tracklist:
1. Feels Like Rain
2. It's Gonna Be All Right
3. Sink Like A Stone
4. Compassion
5. Nobody Else
6. You Never Said
7. It's You
8. Any World Changing
9. Would I Do The Same
10. Hole In The Moon
11. How Dare You
12. The Return 

Opener "Feels Like Rain" bursts into the atmosphere with straight forward marching percussions
The song already showcases her stunning vocals - from darker and mysterious elements to lighter notes. Instrumentals and backings collide together so well and help the song to stay lively yet not overwhelming.

"Compassion" is a beautiful ballad, Elen's rather souly vocals shine through here and wrap you up like a warm blanket. Her soft timbre paired with emotional lyrics turn out to be the perfect combination.

"Nobody Else" is the first single of the record and if you listen to it, you'll figure out why; 
the calming piano melody supports Elen's warm voice, the vulnerability in the beginning turns into a very passionate and honest atmosphere. In the second chorus the song builds up in intensity and Elen's strong vocals control the track completely.

"You Never Said" is one of many highlights of the album. I'd describe it as a folk-pop ballad with a lot energy and depth. Piano, guitar and the rhythm line set a powerful base for the upbeat ballad. And once again the singer's voice leads the track so well and stands out.

To sum it up: If I had to make a top ten list of debut albums, "Elen" would definitely be on that list. The honesty, the passion and the musical performance absolutely convince and showcase Elen's incredible talent. I am completely sure we are going to hear a lot more from Elen.


You should listen to these tracks: Nobody Else, You Never Said, How Dare You




Elen online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube



Thank you for reading!



 


Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Video: Elen - Press Kit
 

2 comments:

  1. Well, she indeed has a wonderful voice. But everything else is the work of hired professionals and even the songs are not hers, e.g. the songs mentioned (Compassion, Nobody Else) where written by Kat Frankie. Honor to those, who deserve it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Anon, thanks for your comment. It's a common thing in the music industry that not every song is written by just one writer. I am sure you'll find all credits on the album. Elen definitely is a brilliant artist.

      Delete

Let me know what you think! :)