Elliott Burgess - Just Look up at the Moon

Elliott Burgess

Just Look up at the Moon
​self-released; 2022

3.8 out of 5 

My Nyugen

Savannah, TN’s Elliott Burgess is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who is bringing his debut album Just Look up at the Moon to audiences everywhere. With this record, the artist merges indie rock with his Americana inspirations. The sound that comes across feels very ambient in nature as well as giving off melancholy vibes that are like a straight shot of sorrow to get your senses tingling. The layers on this album have a way of taking their time, with absolutely no rush to the amount of slow grooves and built up harmonies and melodies evident on this record. There’s a certain delight to seeing these numbers unravel before you as they reveal an artist who takes what he knows and brings the aforementioned genres even further. At 12-tracks, this is a nuanced album filled with memorable tilting melodies and startling vocals.

Just Look up at the Moon begins with “That Night/Go Away,” where some synths light up the sound here as some ambient guitars dress this track. I was loving this warm twang. Once Burgess’ vocals came in, the low murmur of his vocals really spoke to me. There was a touch of country to his reverberating singing that I felt was very distinctive. This was a slow grooving song from the artist that embraces a very melancholy and somber vibe. Some beats and melodic guitars sound out on “Sentiments.” There was an ‘80s vibe to the overall sound. Once the combined vocal harmonies arrived, the sounds really came together. The acoustic guitar comes in, bringing in a warm and resonating sound on “From Now On.” I was drawn to the sounds at once. Next, some electric guitar weaves in for more ambiance. Once Burgess’ vocals roll in, the Americana and country notes are obvious. The bright and emotional sounds will surround listeners.

More synths carry the sound forward on “Returning Without Favor.” Next, some reverberating guitars pull listeners in. The combined vocal harmonies felt equally dynamic as Burgess sings with great mood and feeling. Some ambient instrumentals carry the sounds forward on “Circle.” In a lot of ways, it sounded like the band was warming up. The swells of sounds crescendoed many times and made for a rousing soundscape. More melodic guitars arrest the sounds on “Last Name.” The music had a meandering feel to it. Burgess shows off more of his simply rendered but emotional resonance sound here. 

On “We Were Raised So Much Better Than This,” a sparse sound comes across as some spirited banjo sounds out. The Americana and country notes were obvious. I was loving the energy of this piece. I felt myself moving along to the vibrant tunes. On “Fatiguing Conversation,” some rumbling bass enters for a hypnotizing feel. Burgess comes in with tons of attitude and sass that reeled me in. The bouncy beats and catchy vibes to the music sounded great. More synths and keys arrive on “I Will Never Be Alone In Time.” The melodic keys made for an inviting sound. Next to Burgess’ melancholic vocals, the music really carried for a meaningful and resonating sound. This proved to be an apt closer from the artist. 

​Written and recorded over a three-year period and with influences that include Kurt Vile, John Prine, The National, Ben Howard and The War on Drugs, this set of songs has a way of growing on you. Mainly a DIY effort, Burgess brings on other musicians on the project to help flesh out his sound. The music is altogether atmospheric, blending mood and feeling for a dynamic piece of work. The ambience overall felt fresh and the rich notes and moody undertones had a way of really speaking to me. I look forward to seeing more music from this artist soon.

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