I began writing a post on George Ezra a week or so ago, but distractions got in the way and to tell the absolute truth I am kind of thankful I held off, because it allows me to not only talk about him as a musician, but I can sneak in his new (and second) film clip for 'Budapest' that was released yesterday.
I discovered George Ezra through Spotify a couple of months ago and fell head over heels with his music. I had listened to both his Cassy O' EP, and his Did You Hear the Rain EP on Spotify at least once before I YouTubed him and watched his acoustic performances and film clips. I'm not going to lie, I did not expect to be listening to a voice of a 20 year old guy from Bristol. George Ezra's voice has been described as "a voice beyond the years"1 and I completely agree, his voice seems to tell a story, sounding like it has experienced a lot over a lifetime of journeys and experiences. I don't know, that sounds kind of weird, but when I first heard his voice I expected George Ezra to be this unique and interesting older man with stories to tell, questions to be asked, and secrets to keep. Not to say the real George Ezra doesn't have most of these qualities, he does - minus being an old man.
George Ezra's lyrics are interesting, and although his music style is not to be compared to Vance Joy, there are actually elements of his song writing - most prominent in the first verse of 'Budapest' - that remind me of that of Vance Joy. I think it is the sort of "randomness"of the lyrics, and that they both almost seem conversation like -
George Ezra:
"My house and Budapest
my hidden treasure chest
golden grand piano
my beautiful castillo
For you, you
I'd leave it all"
Vance Joy:
"There's this movie that I think you'll like
this guy decides to quit his job and head to New York City"
I feel like there may be very minimal amount of people who understand what I was getting at there. Perhaps it is not so much similar writing style, but more so a unique writing style. They both follow their own rules and have come up with something magical and truly their own, connecting with the audience in a way that many musicians struggle.
Whether that comparison made you excited, confused or made you not all that keen to listen to George, please don't let it change your opinion...musically, Vance Joy and George Ezra are very (!) different.
George Ezra is sophisticated and mature when it comes to his music, yet he still has a sense of boyish fun and love to him. I unfortunately haven't seen George Ezra live at this point in my life, but it is an experience I would love to collect.
He's a warm musician - is that a weird thing to say? He's warm, he's warm in the way that when I listen to him (especially 'Did You Hear the Rain?') I feel like I should be sitting in an arm chair with a blanket and a chai latte, watching the water droplets race each other down the window pane whilst George plays the guitar and sings to himself on the couch...rather then listening through earphones on the bus or through the shitty laptop speakers.
Cassy O'. That's the song. George Ezra's song 'Cassy O'' takes me somewhere. Takes me somewhere that causes me to wish I was friends with George. I think the fun as well as emotion of the song causes the audience to really connect with George Ezra. It's a fun song to listen to...and he mentions Australia...that's a sign of some sort.
I'm sorry for another comparison, but I do see similarities between George Ezra and Jake Bugg. They aren't the same style or anything, although I think the guitar with unique vocals really draws a connection between them.
Anyway, perhaps this review has been a bit all over the shop...but as George sings in 'Get Lonely With Me'..."When you're living outside the rules, there are no rules to bend".
My grand summary is that I think George Ezra has it all; he's got funk, he's got soul, he's got musical talent and a great connection with his audience. Man oh man, Australian tour please?
George:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GeorgeEzraMusic
Facebook (he has cool photos on his facebook): https://www.facebook.com/georgeezramusic
1. "REVIEW: GEORGE EZRA // DID YOU HEAR THE RAIN? EP". When The Gramophone Rings. Retrieved 11/1/14.
