The new album from Eilidh McKellar, Delta Devil Dreams, maintains a classic rock sound, while showcasing her impressive vocal and lyrical talent.
Combining late 70’s inspired heavy metal with modern rock and throwing in some folkier sounds, McKellar creates an intriguing musical mix and also includes lyrics that compliment the music.
One example of this is ‘Killer Joe’, from the outset it is heavily dominated by archetypal rock instruments: electric guitar, bass and drums and it also features a noticeably catchy riff which could potentially cause this track to become a favourite when played live, while the lyrics tell of a killer and this darker theme fits very well with the gritty feel of the music.
Similar tracks such as ‘Hold Steady’ and ‘Until the Sun Comes Up’ also have a rock and slightly early metal feel to them, while introducing the underlying folk sound, similar to early Fleetwood Mac.
While listening to Delta Devil Dreams it can become difficult to tell which song is which, as tracks share similar structures musically, therefore the album begins to feel repetitive.
This is especially so towards the end, as tracks like ‘Cruel’, ‘Preaching Lies’ and ‘Dead Man Walking’ sound very alike, as does closer ‘Fool’, not providing a memorable finale to the album.
However, McKellar does highlight her injection of folk to various tracks on the album, opener ‘Summer Daze’ reflects its title perfectly, as McKellar’s vocals are strangely hazy, contrasting to the warm and lively riff.
“we’ve all been here before and it’s been out of control/we’re crazy now” repeats McKellar throughout the chorus, introducing a feeling of nostalgia.
This feeling is continued within ‘Avenue E’, which is much calmer in comparison to the rest of the album, the music is stripped back and McKellar’s dreamy vocals become the focus as she sings “I remember having no worries”.
Although ‘Home’ does contrast ‘Avenue E’, it also explores a deep feeling of nostalgia within the lyrics, as McKellar sings “I need love to forget this place called home”.
McKellar carries on the heavy feel of the album within ‘Home’ while singing about the sensitive topic of leaving home and never returning.
Although Delta Devil Dreams does include a number of tracks that sound alike and lack their own stamp of individuality musically, there are numerous tracks which highlight her ability to write meaningful lyrics that compliment her music well, while she also includes an interesting arrangement of classic rock with more traditional folk sounds in a modern way.
Words: Orla Brady
