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Musicianship – 8 out of 10
Ella Blame is a combination of
Electronica, Dance and ethereal soundscapes that have a particular style and
sound that is unique to Ella Blame. They are self described on their website as
sounding like ‘a 21st-century version of Pink Floyd fronted by a 21st-century
mixture of Tori Amos, Björk and Barbra Streisand’. I would say that Ella Blame
(the vocalist for whom the band is named) is more in the Björk category
vocally. She is able to make her voice do odd sounds and very high pitched
singing that at times is more like a keyboard note than a spoken/sung lyric
(Dance With Me). Very interesting and very odd and unsettling at times (which
is intended) and yet you feel compelled to hear what she is going to do next. I
will go into Michael D. Temple’s songwriting abilities below, but, carried out
he is more light and fluffy than Pink Floyd in style which I think suits Ella’s
odd vocal style. Any heavier would make the duo overwhelming and dark.
Songwriting - 8
out of 10
Lyrically, Ella writes pretty
straight forward, a little repetitive lyrically at times, but she is able to
convey multiple emotions in very simple lyrics. I like that. It is very much
how we are as humans—sometimes saying the simplest things can mean something
profound depending on HOW they are said. That is where the effect is in Ella’s
words.
Musically, Michael D. Temple’s compositions can be repetitious with the drum
machine at times (more dance-like) however, he risks going out on a limb with
different sounds and styles of keys. Sometimes it can be a little chaotic—but,
the droning (lack of a better term) drum machine keeps the chaos under control.
It gives the music an ‘out-of-this-world’ sound at times. Dream like. I think
his style fits Ella’s vocals well.
For someone who isn’t used to listening to some experimental sounds, the
combination they write has enough to give Dance/Pop fans something they
recognize while helping them to expand to other realms musically. Very
intriguing style.
Sound
Quality/Professionalism - 8 out of 10
The sound quality is good. It
is a professional sound. I think (for me) there are times the rhythm in the
music is the thing I hear in the forefront when I felt that the vocals should be
a little less in the background, but, all in all it is a solid, well recorded
disc.
Packaging - 9 out
of 10
The several page booklet
features all song lyrics, writing credits, track titles and length of songs.
Everything a reviewer needs as well as a fan! Also, it mentions a little about
the duo and how they came into being. The artwork fits the disc.
Favorite Tracks
*Standout Track
- How Things Have Changed
I Can’t Sleep
Crossing the Border
Violent Silence
Overall
Rating - 8 out of 10
When first listening to Ella
Blame’s Ineffable Desire I was surprised. I had heard (How Things Have
Changed) and it’s more Pop sensibility and dance style, but the rest of this
disc isn’t like that. It’s very different. On one hand at first it put me off,
because I expected a simpler straightforward Pop/Dance style, whereas their
sound is more abstract and unpredictable and a little experimental. It made me
listen a little differently than I normally would and it caused me to change my
thoughts as to what is mainstream and what may not be. As a matter of fact,
when I decided to be open minded I heard so much more than I did the first time
through. Ella’s vocal range is so incredible! The things she can make her
‘instrument’ do is reason enough to get this disc! Backed with Temple’s light,
airy and unique electronic soundscapes it truly pulls you into their own little
universe—lovely, sometimes scary and always interesting.
Why (traditionally) is mainstream usually so boring when you can have so much
more? I say open up not only your mind, but your spirit and soul to the
different sounds there is out there and allow them to take you as far as they
can! Don’t worry!! You’ll be home in time for dinner!!—Jen Lush,
Midwestbands.com,
1/22/05 *Listen to Ella Blame on MWB Radio!
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