For fans of Ben Howard and Frank Turner, let us introduce you to an artist that hits the midpoint of those two musicians. Rhoose based Jack Ellis won the Best Breakthrough Act category at 2015’s Cardiff Music Awards, and there’s little surprise why. His latest single ‘The Storm’ was debuted on BBC Radio 2 by Dermot O’Leary and was recorded and produced at Stompbox Studios with Todd Campbell (The People The Poet, Peasant’s King).
The song’s opening might suggest it would fall in line with every other singer/songwriter wanting to sound like Ben Howard, but give it a moment and Jack’s band joins to create a fully fledged sound. All hints of the song’s dreamy opening shatter in the path of the chorus. It hits much like a wave hits a sea wall. Powerful vocals steer the track, and his rock influences shine through.
This huge chorus also makes the song perfect for radio, but there’s something to be said for the fact that bigger is not always better. Jack’s voice, heavy with emotion, is one that deserves to be heard. As the song rolls onward it doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. The strong percussion takes centre stage too much and dips into monotony. The power works well on the chorus, but swamps the vocals too much in the verses. Sometimes subtlety is more powerful.
The video is an interesting addition to the package. Storylines are hinted at, and a “to be continued” message promises a later explanation. ‘The Storm’ is a promising track, with clear talent and more promise. Jack Ellis has a great voice; I wanna hear it more.
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