by Elliot Wheeler
The following words describes Elliott Wheeler's debut album - quirky, cinematic, absorbing, cosmic, frantic, intense, melancholic, beautiful, emotional, childish, haunting, tortured and fantasying.
Wheeler has described his style as “Morricone meets Portishead via Cinematic Orchestra” and his list of music inspirations include Sebastien Tellier, Radiohead, Max Richter, Arvo Pärt, Bach, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Gil Evans, Miles and even The Muppets.
Six years in the making with a grand cast of over 25, Wheeler's album (who is trained in classical composition, jazz, brass studies as well as Philosophy) fuses jazz, neo folk, indie folk, indie rock, classical, pop and electronica into a 9 track grand cinematic experience. Included in the cast are 9 lead and supporting vocalists including Sui Zhen, Emma Hoy, Caitlin Park, Loene Carmen, Kristin Berardi, Melodie Nelson and Wheeler himself.
The video of the first single “Baker Man” (http://vimeo.com/63879734), featuring Wheeler’s stunning falsetto vocals, sets the tone brilliantly for the rest of the album. The video also features the remarkable hand-animated work of the Sydney-based award-winning animator Marieka Walsh who also produced the album's beautiful artwork.
As well as the role of vocalist, Wheeler plays the role of Composer, Arranger, Producer, Vocalist, Banjoist, Percussionist, Keyboardist, Programmer and even a Whistler as he introduces himself and his inspirations to the listener on the opening track “The Whistler”. Listening to this track throws up visions of barren land, tumbleweeds and gang wars featured in spaghetti western films scored in the 60s by Ennio Morricione – one of Wheeler's inspirations. On the track “The Warning” featuring Sui Zhen on vocals, Wheeler did everything except vocals. To say Wheeler is a diversely talented person is an understatement.
Each track is inspired by Wheeler's favourite scenes from his most loved films of the ‘60s and ‘70s including the ambush scene in the film “Bonnie & Clyde” (“The Warning”) http://youtu.be/6egrQZ9w_2c and the scenes involving solace-seeking characters Johnny and Loretta in the film “The Sting” (“But It's Life”) - http://youtu.be/nby0t43dlIs. Other films which have inspired Wheeler's career include “Chinatown”, “The Shining” and films composed by Bernard Herrmann (“Psycho”) and John Williams (“Star Wars”).
All tracks are absorbing especially the first single “Baker Man” with Wheeler's delivering a mesmerising vocal performance which reminds me of the vocal style of Gotye and Hamish Cowan from the Australian band Cordrazine. “Tend to Me” features the soaring and tender vocals of Caitlin Park (hints of Beth Orton here), dynamic and steady guitar performance by Dave Leslie and a commanding string section led by Michelle O'Young. The track “She Loves Him” is a cosmic and carnivalsque trip with with striking performances by Loene Carmen on vocals (UK bands Mono and Goldfrapp spring to mind) and Simon Sweeny on trumpet. Kristin Berardi (hints of Clairy Browne) delivers pure soulful, blues- coloured meanness on the track “I'm So Mean”. I love her soaring and almost hysterical performance during the last minute of the track strongly supported by cast members Joern Harris (clarinet and saxophone), Michelle O'Young & her orchestra and once again Simon Sweeny (trumpet). On the track “Shiver”, Melodie Nelson's vocals are stellar and Wheeler's percussion fanatic. The album concludes with the outro track “But It's Life” lays the foundation for Shirley Bassey to deliver a Bond-esque vocal cameo. Overall, the string, vocal and bass performances throughout the album are outstanding.
The album's journey is a rewarding one full of twists and turns and will engage the senses of all current and potential cinematic fans. Highly recommended!
Sasha Brookes, PBS Music Library.
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