Review: “Emily” by Eerie Shores
After listening to the alternative metal band Eerie Shores‘ “Wicked Disposal” EP and another single of theirs entitled “Cover Me,” it would be an understatement to say I was very excited to hear they were releasing an acoustic single. Alex Vasiloff, Dan Calderone, Andi Pzonak, and James Sprecker are some of the most talented musicians I know. They did the Fredonia music scene proud in their time there and continue to do so with the release of “Emily.”
Given the quality of their past releases, my expectations for “Emily” were pretty high going in, and they were not only met but exceeded. Just before I listened to the song for the first time, I was not in a good mood, but the calm feeling of the music and lyrics mellowed me out beyond belief. Typically when I listen to Eerie Shores, it’s when I need to wake myself up or when I’m in the mood to just jump around and headbang for a while. Songs like “Ghosts (Dried Out)” and “Air is the Greatest Insulator” are great for this. “Emily” offers a nice change of pace for when you want to relax and unwind.
Vasiloff states, “The metaphorical ‘Emily’ has been making mistakes and trying to hang onto what’s she’s causing to fall apart, always asking for a lifeline. I’m attempting to provide hope, strength, and optimism for us, but I no longer have the energy to stay with her because I’m the only one putting in the effort. I like to visualize the song as us being separated across a sea. She knows I’d be willing to cross the sea, but the question is, will she do it for me?”
I think everyone can relate to this message. At one point or another, we”ve all felt like what we’re giving doesn’t equal what we’re being given in a particular situation, whether it be a friendship, a significant other, a family member, or a job. To put it bluntly, it sucks. And the lyrics do a great job of encapsulating that feeling, especially the lyric “It’s the energy, not the distance, length, or space.”
Musically, everything from the instrumentation to the well-placed harmonies is amazing. The use of a clean-toned electric guitar solo in between the first chorus was a beautiful touch. The aforementioned harmonies in the second verse did a great job in contributing to the buildup leading to the climax at the end of the bridge. I also thought the distorted vocals in the outro were a nice way to bring the music down as the song ended.
My overall verdict: 10/10, would highly recommend. Anyone who loves a good acoustic song will love this. Keep on doing what you’re doing, fellas. We miss you in Fred.
