Formed in the late nineties, The Essex Green became part of the legendary Elephant 6 Collective that included bands such as the Apples in Stereo, the Olivia Tremor Control, Neutral Milk Hotel, Beulah, Elf Power, of Montreal, The Minders, and Circulatory System, all which shared a passion for 60’s pop music. After a twelve year hiatus, The Essex Green is triumphantly back with a stunning new album, ‘Hardly Electric’ slated for release on 29 June 2018, marked by the release of a new single and video ‘Sloan Ranger’.
This is quite simply a euphoric, swinging poptastic tune with an underlined brass backing, layered backing harmonies, a Hammond organ sound and a chugging guitar refrain all which evoke a swinging sixties London replete with beehive hairdos, thigh high boots and velvet suits. It is a gorgeous slice of bright skating pop:
Earlier single, ‘The 701’ indicates the album will be something special:
There is an element of melancholic nostalgia – a kind of sixties naive sweetness tempered by modernity and maturity. This is a delight – in the same camp as intelligent pop such as Belle and Sebastian or Lightning Seeds.
You can pre-order the album here. The Essex Green are touring North America in August:
8.1.18 – Casa Del Popolo, Montreal QC
8.2.18 – Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton MA
8.3.18 – Great Scott, Allston MA
8.4.18 – Knitting Factory, Brooklyn NY
8.6.18 – Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia PA
8.7.18 – Black Cat Backstage, Washington DC
8.8.18 – Pop Fest, Athens
8.9.18 – Cat’s Cradle – Backroom, Carrboro NC
8.10.18 – Purple Fiddle Cafe, Thomas WV
8.11.18 – Drake Hotel, Toronto ON
8.17.18 – Arts Riot, Burlington
