A modernised blast from the past, this self-titled and self-produced nine-track EP from Los Angeles pop band The Great Escape is a fusion of indie rock and pop greatly influenced by big names of the past (such as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin) and of the present (such as Adèle and Amy Winehouse). This engaging album attempts to create an updated version of the raw, unpolished rock and pop songs that graced the radio airwaves.

The opening track, “All I Think About”, sets the tone of the album, with a distinct 1970s rock feel diluting a little the heavy Adèle influence, although featuring a voice perhaps neither as smoky nor as powerful. From the first seconds, listeners know that three layers of talent have come together in this album: vocals, melody, and instrumentation. The production in “Rebel” enhances the theme of the song, as it seems to come off the beaten path where rebels tend to reside.

The EP slows down with “The Secret Song”, which welcomes some country flavor into the album, as well as hints of bluegrass and gospel, in the form of horns, harmonicas, and a chorus featuring hand clapping and percussion.

The heavy, pulsating beat of “I Want It All” makes it perfect for a film noir in which it begins with the main protagonist, a gorgeous, intense female singing her call to action. It might also do really well as a Broadway opening number, full of energy, the set and costumes in a glamorised, 1920s gangster style. “Don’t Wake Me Up” slows things down again, and is the only song in which the vocals, although strong, did not shine as on the rest of the tracks.

“It’s Getting Better” features a 1950s rock style drum and guitar-driven beat, with a dash of No Doubt in the vocal delivery, making it sound fresh and modern. “Let’s Go” and “Put It on Ice” sound similar, although the latter also features hints of electronic and funk elements. The closing track, “I Just Can’t Help Myself” tones things right back down, a slower song that is just as strong as its more upbeat predecessors.

The Great Escape features a set of nine songs, most of which I have a feeling would make for a great live experience. The artists (Amie Miriello on vocals, Malte Hagemeister on guitar, and Kristian Nord on drums) are clearly talented individuals who have the potential to create a lot of great music. More information is available on the band’s official website.

Pictures provided by Independent Music Promotions.

First published here on Blogcritics.