The Essex Green - Hardly Electronic

Hardly Electronic by The Essex Green teaches certain unassailable truths.  One truth is that male/female vocals, in any combination or sequence, add depth and interest.  A second truth is that well-done '60s style pop never really goes out of style.  A third truth is that The Essex Green consists of some very fine songwriters and performers.

The band was formed in the late '90s and were based in Brooklyn for many years, although now are variously located in Vermont and Montana.  They were considered part of the Elephant six scene and shared members with chamber pop band Ladybug Transistor.  Although psychedelia was present in their earlier work, the songs on Hardly Electronic lean more toward folk rock with some chamber pop and country, although they can rock out when they want to (check out "Catatonic" below).  The sound is a layered and fulsome combination of keys and guitars, with well-delivered vocals and a high energy delivery.  This is a band that has matured without getting complacent, and gloriously overcome the hurdles to writing music while living far apart.  If you are looking for a new album for your summer soundtrack, check out the tracks below and stream it in its entirety at the Bandcamp and Soundcloud links.

And that reminds us of a fourth truth, the twelve year wait between the preceding album and Hardly Electronic is far too long to wait.

The Essex Green are Jeff Baron, Sasha Bell, and Chris Ziter.  Hardly Electronic is out now in digital, CD, and vinyl formats via Merge Records.










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Bandcamp for Hardly Electronic
The Essex Green on Soundcloud