The up and coming New York band, Emily Danger’s debut EP, Paintings, combines a plethora of genres creating a new unique and edgy sound. Band members Emily Nicholas (lead vocals, piano), Ryan Nearhoff (vocals, guitar), Cameron Orr (violin, bass, melodica, vocals), Colin Lime (drums, vocals), and Coyote Anderson (bass) each contribute a distinctive element that gives Emily Danger their fresh sound. However, Nicholas’s powerful and operatic vocals tie the eclectic instrumentation together. Her vocal flexibility is second to none as she wails effortlessly and offers a hauntingly flawless upper range.
Emily Danger blends jazz, rock, classical, and folk in an exceptional and intriguing sound. The bizarre dissonance combined with the startling instrumental interjections showcases the band’s creativity. The violin adds a raw, unexpected edge that, at times, clashes with Nicholas’s vocals while complimenting the tonal entity of the group.
The EP shines in the two ballads that showcase both Nicholas’s classically trained and serene vocals matched with exceptional songwriting. The emotional vulnerability conveyed in “Never Know” is heart-wrenching as she croons a story of what might have happened if fate had never intervened.
Emily Danger pushes the definition of indie folk rock all while providing a one-of-a-kind listening experience. This group is worth giving a listen to. The world has yet to be exposed to music so richly unique and layered with talent (all five members are professionally trained in some form of music). Keep an ear out for Emily Danger as they set off on their first tour this summer. More information on the tour can be found at www.emilydangerband.com.
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