El West

El West released their premier EP, Glass Key, in September last year. Front man Bryant Powell wrote the lyrics and played rhythm, Ricki Powell played bass, and Jack Howell played lead guitar on this freshman four-track release.

In the interest of full disclosure, I would like to say I am biased. I have known Bryant Powell for years, I consider him a friend, he’s a TTDPHX contributor, and I’ve seen his previous band, Prague, many times.

Contrary to conventional thinking, I believe this strengthens the veracity of the review. Why? Because I’ve seen Bryant grow. I’ve seen his dedication first hand, and his subsequent growth as a musician and vocalist.

Let’s talk about the vocals. Admittedly, Bryant’s vocals during the Prague years threw some people. Unique, yes. Powerful and passionate, definitely. El West sees Bryant’s voice stronger, and controlling that strength better, as notes are smoother and measured, and the whisper to moan transitions are more consistent.

The first track on the EP, Blaheta, is the perfect opener. It’s great introduction to the vocals to come, and the emotional lows to highs, good as they are, are only the start.

Old New, the first of two tracks to make the transition from Prague, is where you start to want to see El West live. Bryant’s always had a voice which lent itself to goosebump-inducing oh ohs and it’s in full force here. I only wish the song ended on the vocals and didn’t trail off the last 10 to 20 seconds. Leave the listener shaking.

The third track on the EP, Sons of the Sunnyside, is the second track from Prague. The production quality shows off Bryant’s improved vocals and the welcome synth. Overall win.

I’m dying to see the last track, Sweet Like, performed live. I want to see sweat and pain and I want to experience the slap to the face of the final verse on a stage. I won’t spoil it for you.

Glass Key is available on iTunes and other online retailers and it’s a no-question purchase. The ride of El West’s first EP is like the flight to LA – it’s cheap, it’s fun, and made even more so by the anticipation of what’s to come. - http://ttdphx.com

El West is the new project led by Bryant Powell, featuring dynamic, melody-driven vocals and energetic performances. Singing since the age of six, Bryant always had a deep connection with music. Over the years, this bond has developed into dynamic composition, truthful lyrics and a distinctive energetic performance. His classical operatic training creates an intense ebb and flow in every performance.

El West has been inspired by bands such as Broken Social Scene, Radiohead, Elbow, The Roots, and many others to create songs about overcoming struggles, bettering yourself through hard work and obstacles, and abandoning fear. The new EP "Glass Key" is now available now on iTunes.

El West, a new name in the market, and an image of a great singer-songwriter is what we have here. A true discovery, a voice like no other; his Ep "Glass Key" is bound to be a great one. The lyrics alone are enough to bring in accolades, but his voice and the music behind him, guitar, piano, bass and drums are all he needs.

His voice has a mesmerizing quality that resounds with true vitality. Bryant Powell writes and sings his own songs. "Blaheta" is my favorite song with "Sweet Like" a close second. However, each song has a place of its own. El West has given us an Ep that begs to be listened to over and over again. Each time you pick up another sound, another lyric you might have missed before, that puts the pieces of this Ep together.

From both a lyrical and musical standpoint, "Glass Key" is simply stunning. A vocal mix of John Martyn, Shawn Philips, Jeff Buckley and Van Morrison, his style is extremely original and tinged with an incredible soulfulness. While it is difficult to explain, Bryant Powell's voice is an emotional force, conveying the sincerity and depth of his emotions. He could sing the phonebook and it would sound like a gorgeous piece of work.

El West and the production team have created a modern day masterpiece, which may sound like a broad, swooping, over-rated statement. It is not. At the same time the Ep does not sound like modern-day, slick, over produced pop/rock. No, this recording has a classic feel to it.

El West has a unique gift of writing and singing that does not allow you to compare him to other artists, but to hold him on his own. The recording has a raw feel to it with the minimalist take on the instruments driven by Bryant's powerful voice.

El West brings a breath of fresh air and hope to a music industry full of glitter and glamour, he brings it back to the raw essence of what music should be about; the emotion that relay from the words and the sound of the song to everyday life that we can relate to. "Glass Key" is an exquisite taste of a great artist in the making. We can only hope that El West continues to grow into the promise he has captured in every nook and cranny of this Ep! - http://jamsphere.com