Single Review: Eyes For You - Jen Ella

Released earlier this year, Jen Ella’s soul-searching single ‘Eyes For You’ is a hidden gem. With haunting vocals, emotive lyrics and an ethereal vibe, the Irish singer-songwriter has pieced together a track that is nothing short of enchanting.

Jen’s songwriting talent is undoubtedly what carries the single; she demonstrates a unique ability to hide the story behind minimal lyrics that beg to be interpreted more deeply, proving quality over quantity is key. The result is a catchy, memorable folk number with a multitude of meanings woven between the lines. This level of sophistication can only be found in experienced musicians, and duly reflects Jen’s lifelong passion for songwriting. What’s more, the multi-talented soloist plays a number of her own instruments on the track, with Andy Sheppard providing the bass and NAME on drums.

The song focuses on the complication of clashing emotions, exploring the often turbulent relationship between head and heart. The aching feeling of knowing you need to leave when there’s a part of you that wants to stay is something that will resonate with most of us, and in this way the song offers a sort of comfort in its familiarity. Despite its themes of moral conflict and hostility, there is nothing harsh or raucous about the overall sound of the track; Jen’s vocals are soft around the edges, and the lines drift into each other in a floaty, almost dreamlike manner.

It’s impossible to stop at just one listen, as every replay seems to bring something new to the surface. From the subtle shakiness in her voice to the wonderfully vintage fade-out, the song shows great artistry and attention to detail.

With gentle, smoky acoustic guitar and a mournful tone, the single sees Jen develop a raw, poetic style and the courage to break away from the popstar mould. She seems to have found the perfect balance between complexity and simplicity, and there’s an unmistakable beauty in her stripped-back approach to music.

EP Review: Smile, It Might Never Happen - Dohny Jep

After a tough year that led to an abrupt cancellation of their 2020 tour, alt rock four-piece Dohny Jep have returned with their striking EP, ‘Smile, It Might Never Happen.’ It’s clear the lads haven’t let the restrictions of the pandemic hold them back; the four headbanging tracks serve up enough rock ‘n’ roll energy to fill the live-music-shaped hole in our lives.

Despite having formed just two years ago, the band have already established a clear style for themselves. Leading on from a string of singles and previous album ‘L.U.S.T,’ the EP treats us to more powerful alternative rock with inklings of synthpop.

The opening track ‘Take Control’ has all the makings of a classic rock anthem, complete with a heavy drum beat, booming vocals and a catchy, repetitive chorus. It’s easy to listen to and makes a great opener, setting the tone for what is to come. Deeper beneath the surface, though, it delves into the theme of existentialism, with inquisitive, thought-provoking lyrics such as “What will you say when they let go? / What will you do with your self control? / Take a step back, take control.” The soft outro with lighter, stripped-back vocals injects a little more of the band’s experimental side, showing they are far more than just a run-of-the-mill rock band.

Further creative experimentation takes place in the titular track, ‘Smile,’ which makes heavy use of electronic sound and echoing vocal effects. The lyrics focus on the feeling of having to hide struggles behind a brave face, and the fears that come with being open and about our emotions. They are sung passionately by lead vocalist Stuart Day in a way that feels heartfelt and honest. With mental health being such a prevalent issue in today’s society, the band have done well to address its importance in a song that is bold and empowering, rather than melancholic.

They continue to explore relevant issues in ‘Looking In,’ which centres on feelings of isolation and jealousy. In a time when everyone is feeling somewhat isolated and cut off from the world, it is the perfect cathartic track to banish those negative feelings. With its pulsating beat and explosive chorus that begs to be belted out by a crowd of people, it’s clear this song would be taken to another level when performed live - which will hopefully be possible in the not-too-distant future.

Contrary to what its blunt title would suggest, the closing track ‘Get Fucked’ is the most chilled out of the four. The savage lyrics are disguised behind rhythmic guitar-led instrumentals and reverberant vocals. They contain the exact kind of tongue-in-cheek wordplay you’d expect from a band so eccentrically-named. Standing out amongst them is the audacious line “Why do I waste my breath sharing air space with you?”, which I feel perfectly puts into words that angsty, bitter post-breakup feeling.

Characterised by memorable, addictive choruses and heavy instrumentals that showcase the musical talent of all four members of the band, ‘Smile, It Might Never Happen’ does a great job of cementing Dohny Jep’s image, and proves they know exactly what their fans want - or need - to hear.