This quintet from Texas have been writing and playing songs for a decade now, and their growth is apparent in their 2nd full-length studio album Combinations. Their music wouldn’t have been as unique ten or fifteen years ago, as they borrow inspiration from bands like Radiohead, and you can even hear the influence of classic bands like The Beatles. This album is a much more grown up affair than their previous pop/indie album. Poetic lyrics and looming dark tones fill the album that is sure to be in many top "Album of the Year" lists.
Combinations opens up with “Many Funerals”, a gloomy, but upbeat track, complete with haunting vocals of sisters Sherri and Stacy DuPree. You can sense the experience of the band in the opening track alone. Drummer Weston DuPree provides great percussion in this track, made whole with the use of tambourine. “Invasion” is the first single on the album, and is sure to bring in a slew of new fans. The vocals of the DuPree sisters harmonize well throughout this album, but are marked well in this song, and buoyant keys add to the already beautiful track. “Taking Control” shows off the brand of music that Eisley is so great at making; laden with piano, crisp drums, clean guitars and soaring vocals. The album never really has to slow down since the majority of it is tranquil, but remains exuberant in its own way.
Eisley’s music is very tranquil, yet remains exuberant through the vocals, and instrumentals that the band manufactures very skillfully. While the entire album moves at a moderately steady pace, “I Could be There For You” is the standout ballad on the disc. The song starts out with very light drum beats, and is joined by the very soothing voice of DuPree, and the gentle keys follow. The standout track on the album however is “Come Clean”, a delightful guitar filled tune, with pensive vocals, which are made complete with the male vocals of Weston and Garron DuPree. The bluesy track “Ten Cent Blues” is the first track where the guitar of Chantelle DuPree stands out above the other instruments, and notably well. Lyrically, Eisley are at their best on this album, and some of that depth is displayed in this track. The closing track “If You’re Wondering” ends the album on a very gentle, lulling note. The music box-like sounds from the piano, and the very weightless shaker fit together well with the pleasing vocals of DuPree and create the perfect end to a great album.
Give this young but experienced group a listen, and you won’t regret it. If you are looking to send your ears into euphoria this year then Combinations is exactly what you need.
"Combinations" is on sale August 14, 2007 from Reprise.
