An old soul focusing on themes of heartbreak and love, Damon Mitchell showcases maturity in songwriting in his newest EP, “Elise”: a smooth blend of retro pop into 60’s and 70’s classic rock. The development of the EP through simple instrumentation – mainly comprised of piano, drums, and guitar – allows the earnest, wistful quality of his voice to shine through alongside suave vocals, particularly in “Heist” and “Just a Face.” “Elise” also includes Mitchell’s latest single, “License Plate,” which shifts into a more country, western feel and possibly refers to his roots in Indiana. This EP barely varies in instrumentation, but does a bit in “World in Her Eyes” and in its titular track “Elise.” Concluding with its titular track, “Elise” ends on a slightly dreamy, pensive note, as it ties the different instrumental and lyrical themes together neatly.
At times, Mitchell keeps things a little too simple because some of the songs feel basic and repetitive in their instrumental and vocal melodies. Because a lot of the EP’s strength lies in Mitchell’s songwriting, it mainly comes alive through the lyricism, and its tendency towards poetic moments. But overall, “Elise” is a seamless, ingenious dream of pop and classic rock throwing you back to the groove of the mid-60’s.
