Although Eliza’s vocals definitely lead the harmonies, the duo complements one each other perfectly. The two teenagers share more than just musical chemistry they grew up together as childhood friends, and their effortless camaraderie is felt in their comfortable performance and the way in which their voices easily combine. On “Secrets,” the duo sings, “Why don’t you tell her/ All of your secrets?” Jack + Eliza capture the overall mood of their music by describing it as “melodious sun-drenched pop,” as it is very much reminiscent of the ’60s, but with a modern twist. The influence of this ’60s era music is heard in their effortless tunes that coat their lyrics with sweet sentiments. The dreamy melodies first popularized by the Beatles are certainly present in their music, but Eliza’s atmospheric guitar solos also give the duo a rockier vibe. They list their main inspiration as The Beatles while also citing Tame Impala, The Mamas & the Papas, and African ’60s psychedelia as their other musical influences. However, the Manhattan-born duo has a strong sense of musical direction that makes their future work promising. This unconventional blend of electric guitars and nostalgic, California-style pop vocals interwove with one another surprisingly well.ĭespite the quality of their sound, Jack Staffen and Eliza Callahan are still relatively unknown: their biggest single “Hold the Line” has less than 15, 000 views on YouTube, and they don’t have the typical artist’s Wikipedia page. The duo was called Jack + Eliza, and the two musicians filled the room with their combined guitar strumming and drowsy ’60s, Motown-style harmonies. Last month, two grungy 19-year-olds performed in a small record store filled with fewer than 20 people. Deeper than the actual 60s pop music that it emulates, the music is richly harmonic and as satisfying as salt water taffy.The up-and-coming duo Jack + Eliza brought 1960s spirit to their intimate performance at Hill & Dale Records. Readers looking for something to put a smile on the face, perhaps while driving with the wind in your hair, this is a good album. Readers looking for some kind of esoteric hipster folk music are in the wrong place. The album is bookended nicely with “Secrets” and “Heading West” as arguably the best tracks. Probably the most “bubble gum” of the pop offerings on the album, it’s good in the way that “Secrets” is. Chipper, witty, and endearing, it’s about striking out on an adventure for love. The final track “Heading West” is a celebratory anthem. The least “beach” feeling on the album, it’s still easily a vintage flavored track. It’s an intriguing track that’s about obsession in relationship, but not in a creepy way. I’m pretty sure they kept “Floodlights” in the same key as the song that precedes it. In other words, it might sound like beach music, but this isn’t the theme song for your beach party. I can’t count how many strangers you let in…” Layers of complexity, it’s clearly a song with a sweet California sound and a deeply-emotional core. They were all awkward.) Anyways, “I don’t mean to be taking you over, but I can’t stand when you leave through the back door. (Oh seriously, don’t act like you ever had comfortable, normal slow dances in high school. Featuring a female lead vocal and a handsome dose of duo harmonies, the song has more of the awkward-high-school slow dance feel to it. “So Open” is a song full of relational angst. Seriously this song should be playing in one of those vintage clothing shops. “Hold it right there… don’t you want to keep me on the line?” The lyrics on this one feel a bit antiquated. Usually reverb makes vocals soar (like Adele), but these just sound quaint. But what doesn’t make sense (in the best way possible) is that they also sound intimate and a little bit adorable. I’m not sure if it’s some sort of vocal effect in the recording process to create the reverb on the voices, but it makes them sound bigger and more powerful than they probably are. “Hold the Line” again highlights some pretty wonderful harmonies. It was the first track I heard on the album and hooked me from the start. The guitar on it takes listeners back to the 60s but the lyrics keep it new and exciting. So their early release single is a poppy love song “Secrets” that drips with teenage emotion. Trust me on that one! The album will be out on September 23, so get ready to grab a copy for yourselves. They are not only a band to keep an “ear” out for… they’re a band you’re going to adore from first listen. Feeling fresh and authentic, Jack and Eliza do vintage right in their debut EP. With left coast 60s guitar swagger and Beachboys-esque harmonies, their sound is reminiscent of the California sun. Okay so that tag line might be a bit much.
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