As I sit here typing this review it's been a week since I first saw Elliott Minor in the live arena and most of the intervening time has been spent listening to this, the band's eponymous debut album. After releasing a quartet of singles over the last twelve months or so the album itself finally sees the light of day, but was it worth the wait?

As has been discussed on HRH before Elliot Minor are a band that severely divide opinion but, with the release of the album I think I’ve finally nailed down what, personally, is so appealing about the quintet. As trained, classical musicians each of the five is extremely talented regardless of the genre in which they operate. This classic influence comes through and, blended with a modern pop/rock feel it combines to give a fairly unique sound, albeit one that is instantly accessible. In essence a boy band the musical talent on show, coupled with the catchy songs and excellent musical interplay, lifts Elliot Minor out of the run-of-the-mill chart fodder and onto a much higher setting. Actually, although the band are by no means a progressive outfit, the musicality on display is the equal of any progressive band you might care to mention but with out the musical masturbation. Sure the short snappy songs will appeal to fans of McFly and the like, but equally there are enough rock credentials in place to attract fans of Fightstar, Kids In Glass Houses and many of the newer rock bands doing the rounds.

What also helps is the excellent production courtesy of Jim Wirt who, utilizing a sixty piece orchestra to augment the standard guitar/bass/drums/keyboards line up, has given the band a very polished almost over produced  sound and which helps the songs to shine. The singles previously released, Parallel Worlds, Still Figuring Out, The White One Is Evil and the sublime Jessica are all featured here but what is surprising is the fact that the album is equally split between rockers and ballads, well power ballads to be more precise, and is well paced, an easy listen and instantly memorable, Other than the singles stand out tracks include opener Time After Time and the beautiful acoustic led ballad Silently which showcases some exquisite harmony vocals.

If everything goes to plan Elliot Minor, the album, should see some serious chart action and could potentially see the boys playing sheds and arenas countrywide. By the time album number two rolls around, with such talent at their disposal there could easily be more fireworks than album closer Last Call To New York City displays.

Let us know your views on Elliot Minor

Track Listing

Time After Time
Parallel Worlds
The White One Is Evil
The Liar Is You
Lucky Star
Jessica
The Broken Minor
Still Figuring Out
Silently
Running Away
Last Call to New York City

Line Up

Alex Davies - Vocals/Guitars
Ed Minton - Vocals/Guitar
Dan Hetherton - Drums
Ali Paul - Keyboards
Ed Hetherton - Bass