Review: Elbé – Sonder EP
Cork indie band, Elbé have returned with their second EP Sonder, a collection of songs zoning in on how life is bigger than what’s happening within your own.
Words by Jack Squibb
When announcing the new EP to the world, Elbé described it as:
“The realisation that each random passer-by is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.”
While that may be a daunting realisation for some, the Cork quartet break it to the listener in a gentle manner with heartwarming melodies and a sense of genuine belief within Seamus Allen’s own words. Throughout, the EP is showered with breathtaking instrumentation, whether it’s the rolling drums with flickered riffs before a storming end on the opener, ‘Following’ or when tailored back with the sobering, ‘Known To Move’.
Reflecting at times on the impressions others have left on Allen during ‘These Moments’, trying to capture those “moments” and not let them pass by. While showing his gratitude for the company in his life on ‘Only You’, savouring every moment with them.
There seems to be a true appreciation for the life he has and for those in it when facing times of hardship through ‘People We Know’, as he sings so simply on the chorus:
“People we know, hold to our own, hold to us dear, as life implodes…”
A truly uplifting collection of songs during times when others seem to find it easier to drag people down. Elbé have returned in beautiful fashion.
Verdict: 7/10
Tracks worth putting on repeat: ‘Following’ and ‘People We Know’
The new EP, Sonder by Elbé is out now and available to stream by clicking here.