Esja

As plain as the decent black artwork is, the music on this self-titled debut “Esja” contains dusty rock-music that you would expect more in the deserts of southern California than in the northern frostiness of Iceland. This album in its best moments combines the darkness of the Stone Temple Pilots with the nonchalance of old country heroes like Tom Petty. Unfortunately the quartet cannot keep up the enormous thrill of songs like “Wind Machine”, “Hit it” or the pensive “Sound on Sound” through the whole record. The vocals are often just too simple and unimaginative. This is even more of a pity, because Daniel’s voice is actually perfect for Esja’s music. The songs “Till the end” or “Don’t Know Anything” also disappoint for their dull song writing. However the good moments prevail, which makes this a successful debut in the end.

THE VERDICT
Convincing debut between classic rock and country.

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