Eisley - Marvelous Things EP
Label: Reprise Records
Style: Indie Pop, Alternative
Released: 2003
My Grade: 3.5 stars
AMG: 3
Sounds like: Sixpence None The Richer, Belly, Throwing Muses, Chasing Furies


There really is not much to say about Eisley that has not been said before, at least for now. This short EP is their second release, and meant to test the waters before the debut of their full length in February of this year.

The album has a glossy sheen over it, courtesy of their major label, not to say that gloss is bad, but sometimes it just takes away from the warmth that you would otherwise hear from such a quaint band.

They sound like a more pop oriented version of Sixpence None the Richer; where Sixpence had the indie and artistic flair for being just outside the norm, Eisley is able to fit perfectly inside the current alt-pop trend. Actually they have more in common with Sixpence then most, with both being from Texas and both having the pixie-like vocals of strong female singers (where Eisley has two vocalists, Sixpence only had one). The comparisons will probably never leave Eisley, but then that in itself is not a bad thing.

The album opens up with “Marvelous Things” a whimsical story that will set the mood for the entire album, it also shows off the talent being showcased inside this new group, the sisters vocals tread almost perfectly over the music blending together and twisting in to each other with enough feeling to capture even the most jaded listener.

The album continues with the whimsical theme throughout, but nothing holds up to that first burst of energy - even the Beatle-esque stylings of “Sea King” leave something to be desired. The EP showcases the bright future awaiting for this band, but at the same time it shows the growing room needed for them to truly come into their own.
Overall though, it is a thoroughly enjoyable album from a sweet little band.

Reviewed by: Samuel Aaron