Songs Eila Won’t Dance To is a stirring new EP from Nashville-based artist Ian West. The release successfully blends the project’s folk roots with the “alternative sounds of The Velvet Underground and Pavement.” On a track-by-track basis, each of the five offerings stand out uniquely. “Damaged Gods” struts a suaveness and laid-back guitar flow reminiscent of Lou Reed, the playful wordplay and hypnotic guitars entrancing throughout. “Down the Stream” succeeds as well, though with a more folk-forward sound in a psychedelic, Bowie-friendly vein. “Ego Deep” balances the rock and folk stylings with an escalating fervor, with Townes Van Zandt and Stephen Malkmus mentioned as inspiration.
West is joined by Mike Little (drums, backing vocals), Dan Stoeckel (bass), and Sean Parker (lead guitar). The EP was recorded on reel-to-reel two inch tape at Bomb Shelter Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.
Stream the EP below:
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“Damaged Gods” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of December 2021’ Spotify playlist.
Great EP. Real music! Real lyrics!
Thanks so much, Jonathan. Glad you enjoyed it!
My favorite Ian West track so far is “Ego Deep”. The title says it all lyric wise. IE: It is very deep and unfortunately (perhaps) all true. The super snappy tune also has a great backbeat, in what would tend to make one shake that tail feather a bit! Nice job Ian!