Esme
A strong beginning with this group, especially if you fire up the CD early in the morning. The collection contains "The Pieces" (Don’t Wake Up 2008), a song of youthful energy that has lyrics that will catch the attention of those in a less-than-happy place (due to relationship problems).
Esme, from down Atlanta way, catches the attention of Alternative Press magazine (www.altpress.com). The review from that publication indicates that this band is "covering all the crucial steps a band on the rise needs to take." This listener would have to agree that the songs from Esme have some nice "hooks" and vocals. "Close Your Eyes" from the same 2008 CD doesn’t separate itself from "The Pieces" however, because the rhythm and pace are so similar. The strength may be in what Alternative Press calls the hook, with "don’t wake up" and "close your eyes." These are the pieces that stick in a listeners mind.
The band does achieve a tight presentation, with crisp drums and closely patterned guitar.
The name, Esme, is generally feminine, according to quick research. But there are many modern, common uses of the word that might reach back to the old language. The word comes from traditional French and means "esteemed" or "loved." This listener is sure that Esme is esteemed by a solid group of fans.
Tags: independent music, music, Esme, indie, indie music
I know this isn’t going to sit well with the band or Esme’s fans, but while the pacing of the songs is full of energy and the instrumentals are technically sans reproach, I really can’t say the same about their songs’ lyrics.
I don’t know…maybe I’m biased toward the gentler side of rock, or maybe I’m not young/hip enough to appreciate the angst-ridden lyrics…but even after reading the lyrics I’m still not impressed.
I dunno, Esme is a bit too electronic for me, but it has a nice energy and vibe.
I too have listened to enough music over the years and heard lyrics that really did not do the music justice. I think that they have a bit of growing to do lyrically but if they pay attention that they will be able to take their music to new places that they thought they would be able to reach. I too was not very impressed with the overall lyrics of the music.
Music is about the enjoyment of noise, so while you two are bitching because they lyrics of the songs are not quite mature enough for you, Esme is out there making money because the fans of their music love it. A lot of Esme’s lyrics are about real events that have happened to them, and i respect their lyrics because they put their emotions into them and that right there is what makes the difference between a good band and a great band, the ability of putting emotion into what they do. Yes, they have growing up to do, but they are putting emotion and originality into their music, which is something 90% of bands now are not doing.
I have to agree with the other two people who have left comments here. Although, I was just not really impressed with anything about them. But I have to say that the lyrics would have been the biggest turn-off for me.
However, if it were only the lyrics that I thought were bad, I would not tell them to change a thing. I’m sure their lyrics are an expression for them and I’m also certain that they speak to someone else out there as well. Just not me.
I’m very biased. Very. I’ve known Jonathan for years. These guys are quite simply my favorite band. They’re amazing live and all their CDs have a special place in my heart. I hope that they go far.
Also, if you liked Esmé only because Donny was in it, then you should listen to other bands or grow to like Esmé. They were a great band before him and their even better now that he’s left.
Esmé is not for everybody. Esmé is not for fans of prog. rock, people that hate electronic, or poppy rock music. The started as a group of friends writing music together. The first big hit “These Dreams Are Real” is about two friends who died very close to each other and are very missed. They’ve put it on THREE EP’s now. It’s gonna sound like whiny emo shit to some people because it’s about real dead loved ones. Hell, their first CD was titled “For The Ones We Lost”. They’ve grown much more since then and are truly amazing because of it.
That’s just my feelings about Esmé.