One hell of a live recording, taken almost one year ago in May 2012. He is a transfixing force, a dark timbre with astrong pop sensibility. He is a master of dynamic: the bombastic tide and chirping backup vocals of “In the Meantime” is an eventual though marked counterpoint to the reserved accompaniment on “November Steppes.” But these are hallmarks of great live music: tension, relief, dynamic, variation. Take a listen and read our thoughts on his last album.
Tag Archives: Kris Ellestad
Kris Ellestad – No Man is Land
If the Righteous Brothers had an extra brother, and were born in this generation, Calgary AB, and wrote beatle-caliber future folk songs, I think it would sound a lot like Kris Ellestad’s most recent release, No Man is Land (but what the hell do I know.) I shared the stage with him and his band 2 days ago at makeshift korean pizza place venue, and they blew my ass out of the water. WAIT, before that, the venue was on a 1912 train car, and Kris and his boys performed unplugged in an old concrete tunnel, illuminated by the trains power lamp, and they blew my ass out of the water. This album needs to be put out on wax, so I can buy it on wax. I get jealous when music of this caliber comes out of my own general region. Catch this guy on tour before he starts opening for fleet foxes or bon iver or some OC shit like that… seriously.
Kris Ellestad – No Man Is Land
Holy cow, how did I miss this!? Kris Ellestad has a new record out and it’s staggering. Kris Ellestad, if you are unfamiliar, is a thoroughly baroque songwriter from Calgary who’s songs incorporate a plethora of instruments and vocal movements that carry you to the heights of elation. His nasal intonation and vocal control is highly reminiscent of Antony Hegarty, one of the finest voices of our time, imo. No Man Is Land is so many different things, unconfined to any one sound. Trying to describe it is like explaining a joke, I will surely only ruin the experience. Hear for yourself. And procure at your earliest convenience. Songs streaming below.
ARGUE JOB 