CD Review: Eisley’s Combinations

by Chad Jones

"Don't believe what anyone in the media says," singer Sherri Dupree told the crowd at Eisley's August 14th House of Blues show in Dallas. "We really named our new album 'Combinations' for no real reason, but when reporters ask about it, we always go 'oh, well, you see, our music is a combination of things . . .'"

While its title might lack in meaning, the sophomore album by this Tyler Texas alt/indie quintet is nevertheless substantial and intricate (though not without its flaws) and markedly different sound from their 2005 release, Room Noises.

After cracking open Combinations, knowledgeable Eisleyheads (and probably more casual listeners) will immediately notice the harder rock elements that characterize a few of the album's tracks—an unusual occurrence for a band that's mainly cherished for their soft, dreamy, vocal-heavy songs. In particular, track #1, entitled "Many Funerals" and track #8, "A Sight to Behold," both feature heavy and feverish electric guitar, give or take the latter's industrial, bass drum sound. While it's different, singing sisters Sherri and Stacy DuPree—who toss vocals between their powerful voices—pull it off nicely.

Though Combinations is worth the wait, fans looking for Room Noises: Part II will be, well, slightly disappointed. Eisley, intentionally or not, has seemingly moved away from the magical, childlike and persistently fantastic (in the "fantasy" sense of the word) lyrical content that no doubt lured in and retains most of their hefty fanbase (myself included). This time around, there are references as poignant and delightfully weird as "bat(s) with butterfly wings," "butterwarm clouds," "icicles hang from our fingertips," "I cut the moon in half".

Replacing this vivid imagery is somewhat unfocused and more poppy lyrics, i.e. "Go Away" (track #4) literally says more than "go away, go away," while "Taking Control" centers around the vague notion that someone has been "taking control" of "their lives". These generic odes—further example: "I know one thing's for sure / I won't ever let you walk out of my door"—are unfortunate and a little misguided, because we know Eisley can do better, which leaves us to wonder if they actually might be "growing up".

However, this criticism only pertains to a few songs, most definitely not all of them. Meanwhile, it almost goes without saying that Sherri and Stacy could sing aloud the contents of my refrigerator* and it would be beautiful, invigorating and dazzling to the ears. Other instrumentation comments in no real order: Drummer Weston DuPree gets the chance to beat the bass drums for heavier, darker songs (see above); guitarist Garron DuPree plays a mighty marxophonein "Combinations" (track #9); the final track, "If You're Wondering," sounds like an unwound music box—in a good way.

Combinations has its high points, which include the extra-terrestrial-themed "Invasions," the country-esque "Ten Cent Blues," and the effervescent “Come Clean.” For the most part, all the “classic Eisley” elements are here: echoing, siren-like vocals mixed with piano, drums and guitar with an overall sense of sincerity. There are noticeably some differences, some good, some bad. But that's all part of growing up.

*A standing invitation. Please come. There's hummus.