Ellimist – S/T

Within the thirteen tracks on this self-titled debut album by US band Ellimist, there are a multitude of musical styles. It encompasses almost everything from pop to death metal, which makes for an interesting listen. At times you can’t predict what is coming in the next bar, let alone the next song. This trio from Connecticut/Massachusetts have produced an excellent fresh sounding concept album that stands out from the crowd.

The band take their name from The Ellimist Chronicles written by K.A. Applegate which is a children’s science-fiction novel. The story told across the album concerns a character from that book called Toomin. The band offer this synopsis of it. “This album births a sonic universe detailing Toomin’s journey as he transcends his corporeal form to become an omnipotent being beyond the reaches of the very fabric of reality”.

The opening track ‘The Equatorial High Crystal’ begins with an announcement that alludes to that journey. It then opens up into a full-on rocker with some nice guitar playing from Matthew Goorahoo (Stage name Anthony) and Mike Fitts. The band seem pretty elusive and haven’t supplied any photos of themselves. Perhaps they prefer to remain anonymous. They did however send in a nice piece of artwork.

‘Alien Civilisations’ has an electronic cosmic jazz intro before continuing the tune in a heavier and then heavier still fashion. It goes from one extreme to the other but with some spoken word and great lead breaks. ‘Toomin’ is a short number played at a more sedate pace and the sound of possibly cicadas in the background. These background insects continue into ‘The Brilliant Loser’ which is where we first encounter some gruff vocals.

Over the course of the album, the styles come thick and fast. Rock, Prog Rock, Prog Metal, Death Metal, Electronica, Blues, and Jazz all play a part on this release. All are played in a professional manner. ‘Deep Worms’ starts with the sound of a thunderstorm. It melts into a slow swaying rhythm which continues to end with some bluesy guitar licks over the top. It rolls out to the finish with more thunderstorms. You can get an idea of the number of genres employed in the two lyric videos the band have produced. Notice the band doesn’t appear in them, going back to what I said earlier.

Ellimist – Father (Lyric Video) – (click here if the video does not play)

Ellimist – Ellimist (Lyric Video) – (click here if the video does not play)

Passages of spoken word help to lay out the story and ‘Crayak’ starts with one of these. Being the longest number, it has many changes, mainly heavy with blast-beats. This is a far cry from the style of the last track of the album. ‘The Final Game’ has piano and strings and the last piece of narrative telling the final chapter of the story. A short silence near the end is followed by a final flurry on the piano.

If you have a broad taste in music, you will enjoy all this album. If you don’t then try to acquire one so that you can enjoy this. The pandemic seems to be bringing quality albums out of the woodwork. No doubt musicians are spending more time in their home studios. This debut is a typical example and a particularly good one.

Tracklist:

1. The Equatorial High Crystal
2. Alien Civilizations
3. Toomin
4. The Brilliant Loser
5. Mones
6. Menno’s Hubris
7. Second Life
8. Deep Worms
9. The Blue Moon
10. Father
11. Ellimist
12. Crayak
13. The Final Game