Elske & The Vagabonds - Travel Songs EP

 Seaheart Music (EV001)

Okay, this CD EP was released already in 2022, but I still promised to write a review when I received a copy from Elske after her solo gig at Love Potion Club in Helsinki a few months ago, so here we go. I must admit I had not heard of her or her little band before that event. My friend Jaire (Octopus Syng) just suggested Elske to organizer Daisy to fill in for another artist that could not come and Elske bravely accepted the offer on that very same day! Brave lady. And I liked her gig too!

This 14-minute EP has four folk/Americana songs all penned by the singer/guitarist Elske Seaheart. Other musicians are Noora Nurmi (backing vocals and percussion), Joakim Lehikoinen (guitars), Veikko Pohta (bass, hey, I know this guy!) and Elisa Järveläinen-Koivusalo (violin). "My Heart Is Gone" is a nice mid-tempo Americana/Country Rock song with great chorus. Also some Latin influences in there. I must say that I still really prefer the touching, somehow innocent sounding folky love song "Thinking of You". Very emotional, somehow, and the vocals pour into your soul. Even though this is not that melancholic I notice tears falling form my eyes, not sure why... "Travel Song" is again more into the Country/Americano style and not really for me, although it's still a cool song. "Close to Happpiness" closes the EP with sad but sweet moods and my eyes are getting wet again. Wonderful folk song with 60's/70's vibe. Very beautiful chorus on this one. I really enjoy the playing and especially Elske's vocals. I hope these guys will release more stuff soon!

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