Detailed Reviews [Gayle Ellett & The Electromags - 2023 - "Friends"]

Prolusion. US band Gayle Ellett & The Electromags is the latest venture by US musician Gayle Ellett, and the band's stated aim is to create "instrumental hard-rocking guitar music with a 1970's vibe". The band released their debut album back in 2022, and in the fall of 2023 the band was ready with their second album "Friends".

Analysis. Rather than being a strict band effort, this second album by Ellett & Co. was made with the input from several different music friends from around the world, hence the name of the album. The collaborators have obviously bought into the idea and the concept behind the band, with each of the songs exploring slightly and subtly different varieties of the classic rock landscapes the band has its foundation in. And an argument can be had over whether or not this band and this album should be strictly categorized as progressive rock too, as there is a multitude of references to classic era progressive rock in terms of sound, arrangements and structure throughout. The backbone of the songs is the one that comes with the greatest amount of variety, with some songs possibly referencing The Beatles or bands of a similar nature while others makes use of the funk just a little bit, with a few detours into more of a blues rock driven execution on other songs and with quite a few compositions that strikes me as having more than a little bit of Americana tendencies applied to the rhythm section and the song movements. Upon this backbone the lead instruments are a bit more uniform though. Psychedelic tendencies is a recurring element throughout, and those who love and treasure floating and flowing guitar solo runs and retro style uplifting and joyful organ motifs and solo runs are in for a treat here. The keyboards, when present, tend to deliver textures and motifs of a somewhat gentler nature, with at least a couple of compositions here giving me associations towards classic era Camel. That we also have a possible nod in the direction of King Crimson probably merits a mention too, and on general suspicion I wouldn't be surprised if this is an album that contains a tip of the hat in the direction of Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana and Robin Trower too. In addition I do note that a little bit of surf guitar manages to sneak its way on to this album, and on the gentle concluding song some trace elements of jazz appeared to be present too. The common denominators are classic rock and psychedelic rock though, and at least in my opinion with an overarching progressive rock spirit very much a presence too, albeit in a distinctly accessible and often a little bit of an unobtrusive manner. If there is one word that perfectly describes this all instrumental album, then it is the word charming. There are plenty of familiar sounding details throughout, and those who know their 1970's era classic rock, psychedelic rock and progressive rock can probably note down a small book with possible references and associations in the different compositions. At the same time this is quite clearly original material and novel landscapes that are explored. Landscapes formed by the use of a substantial amount of familiar elements, but novel landscapes all the same.

Conclusion. If you love and treasure instrumental rock inside of the classic, psychedelic and progressive tradition in general and have a strong affection for late 60's and early 70's incarnations of those forms of music in particular, this is an album that at least deserves a bit of listening time. This is a solid production through and through, and one that comes with tons of charm and an uplifting, playful and invigorating spirit too. An album well worth investigating, and then in particular for the audience outlined.

Progmessor: October 2023
The Rating Room