EP REVIEW: A Wake – American Teeth
AMERCIAN TEETH is the sonic alter ego of Elisha Noll, whose songwriting credits include work with THE JONAS BROTHERS and 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER. He released his debut album We Should Be Having Fun in October 2021, which was a fun and energetic record, but his new EP is different. It is more sombre, and features the single Sand Dollars, which he wrote a few days after his father passed away. The entire EP is tender, raw and heartbreaking, but it is an important one.
Opener Waiting Room starts off with synths that build up the dread of what is to come, alongside violins and quiet choir backing vocals. Anyone who has ever experienced being in a waiting room whilst a loved one is in hospital can understand how nerve wracking it is being in the unknown – that sense of dread builds up inside you as you imagine every possible scenario – and the lack of vocals on this opening song perfectly capture this ambience.
And then Hospital breaks the listener’s heart from the opening lyrics. The lo-fi instruments really emphasise AMERICAN TEETH‘s assertions that “too many days in a hospital is not good for the head“. Whilst the song does taper off in the end, leaving it sounding a little unfinished, the rest of the song more than makes up for it.
Green Thumb and Sand Dollars both have a nature theme. Whilst the electronic-rock of the former doesn’t quite work due to the sharp contrast between the two genres, Sand Dollars‘ acoustic guitar is much better. There are some hints of synths throughout the song. Apart from a slight detour to an electric guitar that feels a little out of place, the rest of the song is a gorgeous, slow-paced number. Unfortunately, these two songs tend to lose focus as they bury themselves in metaphors about nature. Whilst it is understandable that this EP will also be about learning to live with grief, AMERICAN TEETH‘s lyrics are best when they are raw and honest, although then again having a break from the raw lyrics only makes them more impactful when they return.
Something that is commendable about this EP is that it tries new things, even if they don’t always work. For example, the bagpipes that make up interlude A Funeral is a fantastic bridge to the closing title track, which goes back to the heartbreaking lyrics that are the best part of the song. Whilst the songs all sound different, the EP itself runs smoothly as the majority of the songs are short. Furthermore, the two interludes help bring the EP to life where words fail.
Overall, A Wake is a raw, heartfelt and deeply personal EP. It could be considered AMERICAN TEETH‘s magnum opus as it is evident that he has poured his soul into this project. Whilst it combines some sounds to mixed results on a couple of tracks, the rest of the EP is brilliant and if you’re looking for something to listen to for comfort during grief, then this A Wake is for you.
Rating: 8/10
A Wake is out now via Fearless Records.
Like AMERICAN TEETH on Facebook.