Released just ten days ago was Ethan Samuel Brown's amazing new album, "Small Actors", and if you like your grand-sounding alt-rock then this may just be the biggest hidden gem of the year (and we're only 20 days in!).
The whole album is very orchestral and anthemic; there are plenty of vocal melodies adorning it throughout with an abundance of strings that give the release that added sheen.
Ethan Samuel Brown's "Small Actors" is a grand, orchestral alt-rock gem showcasing soulful vocals, sweeping strings, and diverse anthems.
A few of the key tracks on the release would be the opening track, "Rothko", "Being Blue" and "Tomorrow In Mind". All of these three tracks showcase the wide range of sounds that Ethan Samuel Brown has. "Rothko" is that big, glandular anthem that sounds like the perfect track to be played on the radio, helping to engage new fans and listeners, enticing them into his soulful tones.
"Being Blue" is more piano-lead, and with the track reminding me a lot of Amber Run and Coldplay it was an instant hit for me personally. Of course, his vocals are a bit more tender here, but what this tune showcases is the raw appeal his voice has. The closing song is the most Folk of the lot, with the track feeling almost like it was written in a glorious-looking meadow in the middle of summer. Plenty of strings are heard on here, with some clean acoustic guitar tones warming it all up.
Out of 10: 8/10