Ellery
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
Alternative pop/folk
Status:
Most recent release, Over Land, Over Sea (EP, 2017)
See also:
Ellery's site
Comparisons:
Innocence Mission, Over The Rhine
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
Passionate folk/pop, sometimes leaning more on one side of that slash, sometimes on the other. Tasha Golden has a strong, soulful voice, slightly reminiscent of Natalie Merchant's, the band's musicianship is good, and the songwriting is solid and catchy. Exactly what alternative folk fans are looking for. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)
Recommended first album:
Lying Awake is the only one we've heard
Recordings:
- The Ordinary (as Dividing the Plunder, 2003)
- Make Your Troubles Mine ep (2005)
- Lying Awake (2006)
- What I've Said Out Loud (2007)
- December Days (free download EP, 2008)
- You Did Everything Right (2008)
- Down, Down, Down (2009)
- This Isn't Over Yet (2010)
- Over Land, Over Sea (EP, 2017)
Lying Awake
Release info:
2006—Virt Records—VRT 1008
Availability:
Wide in U. Also see Ellery's site
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended for fans of alternative folk
Group members:
Tasha Golden—vocals, backing vocals, piano, Wurlitzer
Justin Golden—backing vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, tenor guitar, mando guitar
Guest artists:
Ric Hordinski—electric guitars, loops, keys, percussion, stuff
Amos Heller—bass
Josh Seurkamp—drums, percussion
Produced by:
Ric Hordinski
Comments:
This is a strong album, sure to be a favourite with fans of alternative folk: the material is good, the vocals fervent, the overall sound engaging. My only complaint is that the production could be a little crisper to highlight Tasha Golden's impassioned vocals more clearly. "Know Better Know" will haunt you, while the first track "Anna" is reminiscent of the best of Sarah McLachlan's early days. Impressive. Heads up, altfolk-lovers. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)
December Days EP
Release info:
2008
Availability:
Limited release download; no longer available
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Comments:
A lovely, easygoing folk EP of 3 originals and 1 cover. Perfect to spread some warmth on cold December days. (JoAnn Whetsell)
Down, Down, Down
Release info:
2009
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Tasha Golden—vocals, piano
Justin Golden—guitars, bass, vocals, synths, toy piano, piano
Guest artists:
Jack Corduroy—strings, celesta, bells
Joshua Seurkamp—drums, percussion, bells, chimes
Produced by:
Justin Golden
Comments:
This is a holiday EP with really good pop/folk. Three original seasonal songs and two Christmas traditionals. Think winter warmth, like hot chocolate or a roaring fireplace, but far better than those clichéd descriptions. (JoAnn Whetsell)
Thanks to Sophia Gurley for work on this entry
