There is something very Von Trapp about Texas quintet Eisley: mountain misty and mournful, echoing with harmony, ever optimistic and y’know, related (mostly). Similarly, their second full-length album Combinations follows a storybook arc.
Imagine Eisley running from the Nazis with opener “Many Funerals,” a twee shanty reminiscent of The Bangles’ heavyweight hit “Hazy Shade of Winter.” Their musical getaway continues with sci-fi tribute “Invasion,” which boasts an eccentric Cardigans vibe; then sweet release is found in “Taking Control,” a haunting, funereal refrain.
Things plateau with more predictable piano pieces like the radio-friendly “Go Away,” “I Could Be There for You” and “Come Clean” (which sound seemingly penned by Andrew McMahon). Yet an unexpected alt-country subplot “Ten Cent Blues” shakes things up and wakes Eisley from their idling.
The album’s denouement delivers a powerful blow: “A Sight to Behold” is anthemic and menacing, a take-no-prisoners drumbeat hypnosis that commands their listeners in line. With minions at attention, they unleash “Combinations”—easily one of the more beautiful songs in recent memory—trickling, lilting and almost painful it its choral cries. Closer “If You’re Wondering” uses chimes and rainstorms to gently ascend the band to musical heaven, but it’s Eisley’s listeners who benefit most from their happily-ever-after.
Eisley
Combinations
*** 1/2