The Trouble We Crave E.P.
Bourbon & Bliss are an acoustic pop/rock duo hailing from Astoria in New York,
comprising of two singer-songwriters T. Scott Ross and Elizabeth Eckert-Ross. Both
are extremely accomplished vocalists in their own right, but what is striking
immediately is how well their voices blend together and complement each other.
Having already been finalists in the Great American Song Contest in 2012 with the
song Heroin Hips, this extended E.P. has been mixed to perfection by the Grammy
award winning Sean Moffitt and produced by Jason Polise and Ben kibby.
Their songs are very well-crafted and effortlessly commercial yet without any sense
of artistic compromise, pitched between pop and rock, with elements of folk, country
and jazz thrown into the blend.
Opening track Falling Anyway is a gentle introduction
to their sound with some beautiful instrumental touches, the two vocalists taking a
verse each and them combining powerfully on the chorus.
Leave It Alone shows their darker, moodier side, largely sung by Eckert-Ross and
showcasing her fantastic vocal range. The song conjures up a sombre soundscape with
distorted Wurlitzer and ominous, tom-tom heavy drums. Lyrically soulful and
melancholy, this song makes for a good contrast with some of the more upbeat
offerings here.
Third track Like You Do stands out to me as an obvious contender for the first single.
After an understated verse featuring some delicious chord changes, it progresses into
a memorable chorus that sticks in the mind at first hearing, and the whole song has
‘hit’ written all over it.
Fourth song You Should Know is a lovely, lilting, very poppy ballad with a great
breakdown chorus at the end and some particularly gorgeous vocal harmonies. These
two singers really do sound magic together. One of my favourites certainly, and
another potential single for sure.
Satisfied is a country-tinged uptempo ballad with some nice guitar work and a chorus
that quickly sticks in the mind, again the vocals combining effectively in harmony to
great effect.
Last track Covered In Your Breath is a great upbeat finale featuring a
fantastic brass arrangement and one of the best soprano saxophone solos I’ve ever heard. It’s
another extremely well constructed piece of music with a strong hook and extra credit
should go to Jason Liles (one of B&B’s musical cohorts) for some superb bass
playing.
Overall, this is a very impressive set of songs faultlessly produced and perfect for
commercial radio. While influences of other artists can be heard in the music, it is
hard to think of anyone else who does quite what they do, and that will be hugely to
their benefit. Provided they get the exposure they deserve, you should be hearing a
great deal more of Bourbon & Bliss in the future.
Available now on iTunes.
By Alex Faulkner
I’m 34 and a freelance music journalist, as well as a composer and producer. I’ve written reviews for UK newspapers and music websites. I run my own blog, reviewing the best new bands and artists . I’m very passionate and knowledgeable about music and that shows in my writing.
