Steampunk Canada

Eli August has a new album, Bottom of the Sea. It's all brand new music, but to be honest when the first song started, Nautical Mile, it sounded just like his older work. Actually it sounded very similar in tune to one of his earlier songs. This had me worried about what the rest of the songs would sound like.

The rest of the album is much better. The next song, Dead Reckoning, while still quite dark, was actually more upbeat and new. I know it sounds like an oxymoron, but if you listen to it you'll understand. As well, Eli has incorporated more instruments and voices to a number of his tunes and it brings new dimensions to his work. I really liked the drums in Dark Reckoning and The Plunge and the additional vocals in Down Deep and Waves. His story telling is still quite good, and certainly the tone of his music lends itself perfectly to the tales he weaves.

While still very dark (his music makes me want to give Eli a big hug), you can hear his musical growth. I'm a big fan of the sea and although this album is still in his usual languid style, I quite enjoyed the story, the tunes and the new depth to his music.

You can find out more about Eli August and buy his albums at eliaugust.com