The team around Elles Bailey has solidified over these past couple of years. And it’s only when hearing ‘The Night Owl & The Lark’ do you realise how integral they have become to her sound. Not that this latest EP disrupts in any negative way. There are notable differences though from her previous records.
While the cover artwork, beautifully designed by Alice Armstrong, may give the impression that she is heading in a Folk direction, the extremity to which she strips back her music is not quite so severe as that. It is more a case of toning down her vocals to suit compositions that do the simple things well. The cast of Redtenbacher’s Funkestra, with whom she collaborated back in 2020, are not prone to amping up sound or ramping up emotion. Instead, the familiar sounds of Hammond, electric guitar and bass pose a more level-headed existence without skimping on Elles’ signature Blues.
There is a distinct juncture away from the gloriously cacophonous Rock of ‘Shining in the Half Light’ as well as a much lighter form of Gospel than that found on ‘Road I Call Home’. A sprinkle of Soul is added and a touch of Funk plays out but nothing is overstated. Both ‘Lean on My Love’ and ‘Nothing Without You’ carry their message with minimal spend. It is something of a surprise for fans used to getting carried away with the music. Not that it’s all smooth sailing. ‘Bring It On’ holds that fiery determination borne of typical Bailey grit in the face of trying circumstance. And while ‘Jordan’ begins with such delicacy in the face of heartrending lyrics, the punching of piano keys come its end contributes to a chorus that demands nothing less. For its lines “I’d rather see you go in the arms of your angels / Than to keep you here with me / I’ll meet you on the other side of the Jordan / Now let your soul go free” are suitably emotive, and for this listener, become tear-stained.
‘Jordan’ is an excellent addition to Bailey‘s cover collection – right up there with ‘Angel From Montgomery’. The song that this EP hinges on though is ‘Mumma and Me’. A lovesong that fizzles with something special. The second verse is a gorgeous tribute from “the night owl” to “the lark” of the EP’s title. Its line “That speckle in your eye / Nan had and so do I” is a beautiful picture of successive generations. The addition of strings toward the song’s end is another moment when feelings are heightened and captured by the music. But there remains a calm and reflective tone throughout. Recognisable but with a hint of something different in her delivery.
‘The Night Owl & The Lark’ is a lovely addition to the Elles Bailey catalogue. It stands alone in some respects – a slight diversion from the main path – and yet it remains imprinted with her indelible mark, with Blues for the 21st Century at its heart.
You can purchase ‘The Night Owl & The Lark’ EP, along with associated merch, from Elles Bailey’s website here.
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Featured Image (C) Elles Bailey/Alice Armstrong
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