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Ellison, named after a street in Hyde Park, is more than another green street sign with a name on it. The Cincinnati band comprises four gentlemen who are making music that is often compared to bands like Dashboard Confessional. Their music is usually categorized as Emo, but Ellison delivers much more than good haircuts and the angst-ridden lyrics associated with that genre. In fact, it’s a disgrace to put their talent and ability on a level with the dull music for which Chris Carrabba is so well known.
Ellison, now signed to Carbon Copy Media (the label started by Hawthorne Heights’ lead singer, JT Woodruff), delivers a stellar follow-up to their 2005 EP, Indecisive and Halfhearted (four of the six EP tracks are included on Say Goodnight, Sleep Alone). “Love Takes and Breaks” is a standout, featuring Cincinnati musician Kristen Key on background vocals. The song is upbeat and the harmonies add depth to the usually solo-sung songs that Ellison produces. Lead singer Josh Hill has a voice that is always clearly delivered, but exudes an aching that tugs the heartstrings. While many songwriters are inspired by similar subject matter (heartbreak, love and loss), Hill’s voice takes it a step further. Anyone can write lyrics and sing them; Hill’s yearning voice lets your ears tap into the actual expression.
Say Goodnight is consistent and tight — clichéd words often heard when a disc is reviewed. But Ellison is no stranger to the word “cliché.” They show they understand their Emo credibility quite obviously in “June.” Envision a beautiful girl on a warm summer day, laughing and prancing around in a field, running forward but looking back as her boyfriend runs after her with a video camera. It sounds like a typical Emo video, right? The lyrics (“I know you’d say it’s too cliché/For me to write a song about those summer days/But I can’t help but love the way/You looked with the sun on your face”) will bring a smile to your face as you realize the object of his affection is clearly not falling so quickly for his Emo shenanigans.
A hidden track shows the band’s sense of humor. The Ellison boys once sold their van to local band, Landen Falls, and while on tour, it caught fire in Oklahoma. While standing on the side of the road watching it burn, they decided to leave a voicemail for Ellison. The voicemail (which shouldn’t be funny, but is) is included at the end of the disc.
Ellison’s music far surpasses the black jelly bracelets and wispy-banged haircuts to provide listeners a more vivid experience and a deeper look into a genre that is often taken at face value because of its simplicity and lack of variety. Ellison celebrates the release of their new album this Saturday at Covington’s Mad Hatter. (Daniele Pfarr) Grade: A
This article appears in Aug 30 – Sep 5, 2006.
