Eli Smart - NO SUMMER
“I've never quite been able to shake the vast difference of these two environments. I've always been infatuated with the music that each place evokes, how the sounds blend, where they clash up against each other and what's left in the negative twilight space between.”
Born and raised in Kauai, Hawaii, and staying in the United Kingdom for a while, Eli Smart is a notable personality in alternative and indie rock. Influenced by Prince and The Beatles, it’s as if he’s created his own genre, “Aloha-Soul.” In a sort of way, it’s paying an homage to his Hawaiian roots and the British northern soul he takes notes from. Surrounded by music at a young age, his family owns “Hanalei Strings,” a charming and quaint instrument and vinyl store in Kauai, Hawaii. Working shifts and performing with his friends, he found his niche as an artist.
Eli encompasses a phenomenal ability to create and present what he wants in an effortless and ideal manner, whether it originates from within or from observing stories and ideas in other places. His self-release of NO SUMMER, an album, brings us here.
Last Hurrah Echo
An upbeat, fuzzy guitar introduces us and establishes the mood for the record. After that, a variety of sound layers give us a solid backdrop and an uninterrupted drum beat to lead the way. Everything comes together well when combined with Eli's appealing and vibrant voice. In addition to the musical qualities, the overall feeling this song emulates is immaculate, and it’s a great first impression for those who are just getting introduced to Eli Smart.
Moka
This tune has a hazy, dreamlike vibe that begins with a few drum beats and a groovy bass line before the guitar makes its way into the song. It starts off as a gentle plucking but develops into a stringy yet overdriven lead as we go along. I would suggest this energetic, interesting, and fun tune to everyone. On May 29, 2024, Moka was released, which was actually created before this album.
Jackie
A fiery upbeat intro pushes you into this track, with intense drumming accompanied by a flowing bass line and a joyful guitar part. When listening, it’s inevitable to not nod your head and tap your foot in rhythm. “You’re never gonna live it down if you don’t know how to live it up now.” I decided on this line from this song to represent the mood and sentiment of it. We've all made mistakes at some point in our lives, but how can you really live in the present if you don't make an effort to move past those faults that bog your mind?
Fiesta 99.9 FM
This song, which was released prior to NO SUMMER, really speaks to me. A charming, lighthearted song that presents us with the impression that we’re walking on the beach while the water hits the shore. “Wherever you are, wherever you are. Closer through a song, closer through a song. Baby, I'll be true soon; I'll be next to you.” The writing itself is alluding to long distances and being closer in mind and heart through things reminding them of another, awaiting their return. With a fuzzy and strong bass line, a stringy and fresh-sounding guitar, and the feeling of floating, this track knocks it out of the park for me.
Another Sundown
This is a serene, low-lying song. “I’m never gonna find another way home; I hate goodbyes.” Demonstrates the duality of life, leaving things behind and getting caught up in time. The soft strumming and delicate plucking create a warm, inviting atmosphere that draws you in. The sensation of air whooshing through provides an ethereal quality, Moving forward to the end, we’re met with the bold and loud guitar part, taking the reins of the listeners ears and bringing their attention to itself. With the shaking of a brush-like instrument or a maraca, the song closes out, leaving us to listen to the next track.
Pretty Words
After Another Sundown, Pretty Words takes the listener's hand and guides them through the album a bit more. The mellow and euphonious guitar and vocals perfectly complement an extraterrestrial sound that draws us in and sets the scene. “If you go, if you go, take your time... hurry up.” to “But leave me mine. Don't take my time. Please don't stay. If you stay, it won't change.” A story about going back and forth with oneself but ultimately deciding that the relationship or situation they're in might not be best for them, establishing boundaries. A punch, then a kiss to the face, describes the height of this song quite well. Before things go back to their original pace and characteristics, everything suddenly shifts into a colorful, grainy, and empowering juncture.
No Destination
This song starts off with the guitar pushing ahead, with the drums waltzing in near behind. Everything about this song made sense as you listened to it. Eli Smart's voice speaks through on this song in a straightforward, articulate manner. The sentiment and vibe of this song are aptly captured by the line, "Answer my call, grab a guitar, and let's ditch these loonies." Sporadic guitar licks and a pulsing drum beat with a rhythm-like bass give us a sense of the duality of the "Aloha-Soul," which Eli Smart leans into. As you listen, it becomes impossible to resist the urge to smile; the song's duality generates a sense of excitement that encourages movement and enthusiasm. Whether you find yourself tapping your feet, dancing along, or simply swaying to the beat, it’s certain to break you out of a funk, and maybe into another too.
How Come?
A soft and easy-going strum on the guitar fills the air, creating a gentle backdrop that sets the mood for what is to come. Eli's voice emerges, rich and resonant, weaving the way through the intertwined instruments. “How come all the blues get the best of me? The best of me?” The lyric resonates with many listeners, capturing emotions that are universally understood and felt. The entire song explores themes of nostalgia, reflecting on the past with a sense of longing for times and experiences that have shaped one's identity. Throughout the lyrics, Eli reminisces about lost relationships, cherished moments, and the bittersweet nature of growing older. The weighty and distorted instrumental pieces serve as a backdrop to these sentiments, enhancing the emotional depth of the song.
Pick Me Up
Pick Me Up goes off a different way than any other on the album. Its noticeable distinction between its almost bass-like or guitar-like bass and another guitar part with a brighter, more stringy sound is what renders it so appealing. Eli's ability to quickly switch from a low, delicate voice to a higher-pitched, strong voice makes his voice an ideal match for these features. The way Eli’s voice in Pick Me Up harmonizes with the guitar or when he sings his own lyrics, you'll definitely be able to uncover and discover the intricate thought into every note and lyric of this track.
Highschool Steady
After Pick Me Up, High School Steady is a quick witted song, with the guitar echoing throughout the space created by Eli, the drums keeping us afloat, and his voice itself is amazing. “Stepping into different shoes but just as smelly.” Is a funny, yet truthful lyric. Maybe stepping into someone else’s shoes isn’t any better than yours, the fit or the style, which may be signifying trying to be something else or maybe returning back somewhere familiar, yet yourself has changed. The layers become intense, louder, and finally fade out.
Slow Dance
A beat of a drum and a subtle guitar lick bring us into Slow Dance. From the singing aspect, layered vocals are what were incorporated into this song. With sparkly notes and synth-like sounds, it layers over and under each trait perfectly. “Walking on the moon like a slow dance” is how this song feels, floating, ascending, and otherworldly. Eli has the ability to transport you to another dimension with his voice and instrumental talent. Everything begins to slow down and dissipate out, glitching a bit, like a scratched-up record.
No Summer
Following behind Slow Dance, No Summer, is the title track. A quick and clean few beats start the song, immediately grabbing attention, while a distorted guitar makes its presence known, everything coming in at once, not a second after. Strums in the guitar resonate around, filling the space with energy as the distorted guitar part continues playing, creating an intense atmosphere as the drums and bass join in harmony. As for the vocals, they’re clear yet grainy, carrying a slightly echo-like quality that adds depth. The lyrics talk of bad dreams and missed opportunities, giving a narrative that makes this song relatable to many, yet it still offers a fresh and different listening experience.
Petrichor Dream
As much as I hate to say good riddance to this record, good things shall eventually come to a conclusion. Petrichor Dreams starts with a light-hearted drum and guitar groove. It essentially seems to have the feeling and sound of the beach with the scorching sun shining through. “I can hardly hold my tongue when someone mentions your name.” An aftertaste of this person and their past lasting throughout time. Even though Eli's voice has disappeared from the tune, the scene ends with a thoughtfully crafted outro that showcases the instruments in all of their glory, allowing each note to resonate and fill the space with a rich, captivating sound.
Overdrive
After the release of NO SUMMER by Eli Smart, there’s quite a few shows you can catch, or pre-order a vinyl, and explore more of Eli’s discography. Singing along with the feel and sound of the guitar, complimenting each other beautifully. “Maybe we’ll meet when we’re older, losing sleep cause we’re young.” This seems to be symbolizing a tendency to take things almost too seriously, which can lead to losing shut-eye due to worrying and overthinking. It could also reflect the idea of meeting the right person at the wrong time, creating a sense of frustration and missed opportunities in relationships.
Written by the talent that is Eli Smart, NO SUMMER is an album I suggest you listen to. Each track resonates with emotion and thought. In the meantime, I encourage you to explore Eli Smart’s other works and discover the unique listening experience he has to offer. You won't be disappointed!