Diana Ebe released her debut album, Elusive Pleasure, June 10. With an alternative take on heavy synth and ethereal vocals, it has a wide appeal.
Diana Ebe is a Swedish-born artist, who has since relocated to Los Angeles. Her debut EP Elusive Pleasure became available on June 10. Ebe wrote and co-produced this record, beginning the process at a piano. Weaving percussion, synth tracks and ethereal vocals through these base melodies, she created a signature sound.
Elusive Pleasures opens with the aptly titled song “Bold.” A strong track, it immediately showcases the strength and sometimes haunting nature of Diana Ebe’s voice. “Bold” represents a blend of story telling verses and driving choruses. With only a few small tweaks, this would easily grab the attention of huge club audiences. Track one walks the line – not falling all the way into typical EDM, nor coming off as pop. With drops of an almost new age sensibility, Ebe creates an interesting auditory cocktail.
The second song on Elusive Pleasure is “Chasing.” This track combines gentle and slightly mournful vocal sections with up-tempo almost desperate interludes. “Chasing” follows well after “Bold.” However, with track three comes an appropriately timed change of pace in “Dreaming.” A pared-down opening sets the mood – and when listeners assume the beat will drop, it does not. This is a welcome surprise, especially given that once the bass line does appear; it manages not to overwhelm the song. The synth scene’s equivalent to a piano solo, “Dreaming” feels as though listeners are doing just that.
Demonstrating range in synth
“L.L.Y. (Interlude)” is a short and echoy track in the middle of Elusive Pleasure. It feels as though listeners are walking down a hall and move past a door behind which someone is signing. The listener keeps moving, but catches a minute of this private moment.
A gem on the record, the title track follows next. Managing to be catchy and easily accessible without going fully ‘pop,’ this song displays strong dynamics in which the lyrics do not get lost. The associated video for “Elusive Pleasure” seems to capture the track’s essence. It somehow feels pure despite the obvious technology involved in creating these sounds. “Want You” comes immediately after, with a similar feel.
“Twice” closes the album on a softer note, with airy melodies. The song evokes images of misty hills echoing Diana Ebe’s ethereal voice – like a futuristic version of old sung tales. “Twice” slowly and careful drifts away, as though it is still happening outside of earshot. This is a quiet goodbye, as opposed to closing with a bang.
Diana Ebe produced a strong first EP with Elusive Pleasure. Listeners may find the impact of her vocals is dimmed over the course of this album by the consistent use of technology. However, it is clear that Ebe has a skilled and strong voice. Audiences will look forward to hearing the results of her next project, as she finds greater balance. In the meantime, a wide array of listeners are sure to enjoy Elusive Pleasure.