Album from Texan family band.
Eisley are a five piece from Texas comprised of the four DuPree siblings and their cousin. 'Combinations' is their second full-length record and the one I anticipate is their breakthrough. The songs here have a mixture of Rasputina's eeriness mixed with the loveable, more indie-pop style of Rilo Kiley and Azure Ray.
The album opens with the sombrely titled 'Many Funerals', a folk song with an edge thanks to the lyrics preoccupied with death and the rock riffs. Throughout this album the sound shifts often enough to make Eisley difficult to pin down and all the more beguiling as a result. 'Invasion' features the kind of harmonies that are Maria Taylor's trademark, and indeed the song as a whole sounds like a more accessible Azure Ray.
'Taking Control' has more of an upbeat folk style and reflects on the ability to overcome low periods. 'Go Away' is similar but more obviously a ballad, and 'I Could Be There for you' is very similar. Despite being weaker around the middle 'Combinations' sustains interest thanks to the startlingly pretty arrangements and the gentle and soothing vocals.
'A Sight to Behold' is another more rock song with pounding drums and several vocalists creating an ethereal sound. The song makes me think of castles and horses scurrying through woodlands, and that's probably the mood they were going for. The album's title track is a swift contrast to its predecessor as it is the album's most accomplished ballad. Its fragility is all too tangible and as a result is a very emotive song. The UK version of 'Combinations' is backed with the bonus tracks 'Golly Sandra' and 'Marvellous Things', both of which are strong enough to have been included on the album anyway.
This album is the perfect companion to a Sunday afternoon spent trying to relax. There is a vintage quality to its simplicity that helps the listener to feel as if the modern world and its stresses are far away. While not wildly different to other bands there are enough catchy songs and lush vocals here to ensure the listener has an incentive to return to these waters.