Amanda Ekery - Some (more) Short Songs

Amanda Ekery

Some (more) Short Songs
​self-released; 2021

4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

Back in 2018 Keys With No Purpose by Amanda Ekery received Top Album honors from Divide and Conquer. Ekery is back with a new release entitled Some (more) Short Songs. There’s some amazing music on this release so let's get into it.

The album begins with “LCC #13 (Vision)” which I wouldn’t describe as a short song as the album title implies. This song is a bit of slow burn and starts with haunting, crying cello and guitar. The two instruments do a little dance and leave plenty of space for the vocals. That being said the vocals are ephemeral and there are long passages where it's just instrumental. It’s an open and spacious song that’s in no rush to get anywhere.

“LCC #14 (Mind Games)” is a little faster and the vocals are more consistent. The song is again haunting and spacious. There are sections which are like a spell of madness where the vocals feel more like an antagonizing inner voice asking you to play the “game.” I think that might be why the song is called Mind Games.

“LCC #15 (Maybe I Should Drive)” has some incredible flourishes. The technical ability is pretty incredible from all the musicians involved. I had to listen a couple of times before it started to all seep in. There’s also a mantra where she repeats “Don’t say a word till I’m finished.”

There’s exceptional bass and piano interplay on “LCC #16.” The piano is all over the place and almost frantic. Light guitar picking, brass and what sounds like vocal improvisations shows up a little later in song which change the energy in engaging ways.

“LCC #17” is a very somber and haunting song. It’s the most emotionally resonant to this point and felt like a good place for the song sequentially. Once you get to “LCC #18 (Up There)” you should feel immersed in her particular style and aesthetic. 

“LCC #19” explores long vocal phrases that can suddenly feel energetic. There’s more incredible piano playing on “LCC #20” as well as some awesome sounding fuzzy guitars.”LCC #21 (That Dog Won't Hunt)” is one of the catchier songs in the batch while “LCC #22” is more atmospheric and cosmic sounding than any other previous tracks.

​I’ll admit this album might not be for everyone. It’s a deep dive in music theory and doesn't play into the verse/chorus/verse type structure you hear in pop music. On that note I absolutely encourage you to spend time with this release. There are treasures buried along the way that can be discovered. Highly recommended.

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