EP REVIEW: Songs Offline – Eichlers
Emo musician EICHLERS has decided to rework his songs into a new, stripped-down light with Songs Offline. The goal with this release was to take some of his favourite songs containing his signature production and style, and then strip them back to highlight the core elements of them – mainly his songwriting and pop-punk/emo roots. While an interesting twist, sometimes things feel a little off-putting when there’s a serious sounding guitar and piano alongside loud lyrics, yet he makes it work for the most part.
The first song we’re greeted with is the appropriately named Hi, which serves as a short intro track. It starts out as your standard slow acoustic track before the vocals enter in the form of rather jarring spoken word that would make sense given that the song would have originally been with a full band and production. Yet it remains off-putting, and not the best first impression for an EP perhaps. Next track Things U C In Me sort of makes up for the loud introduction as it opens with a female voice with an effect that sounds like a phone call. The overall track is upbeat despite it being stripped down, and it makes you want to go back and find the original version.
Probably one of the standout songs of the EP is Nickel City. You find yourself hooked and bopping along to its catchy rhythm – a perfect ode to its pop-punk style. If the previous track only makes you slightly interested in finding the original song, this one feels like you must find it. But then the EP goes back to jarringly loud lyrics with OHMYGOD where there’s a strange juxtaposition between the calming guitar and piano and the words sung like “Oh my god I thought you’d never stop,” as EICHLERS calls out someone who talks down to and criticises them. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just a weird scene when you think about it.
The next two songs, 3rd Ring and 2 OF US are the more ‘serious’ songs on the EP with the latter discussing the idea of being in love and growing up together in a rather tender way. The way things are phrased can be easily applied to different scenarios, whether a long-term relationship where you’ve both grown and matured together, or a past relationship that broke down, yet you still feel grateful for. It’s lovely. If only the EP had ended this way instead of My Checkered Future that starts out sounding like it could be another slow, sweet song…until the lyrics start. We’re not going to say anything further other than: well…at least you’re honest?
Songs Offline is a little juvenile, but it is a fun way to explore music that’s already out there. Whether it’s something for you or not, you must admire EICHLERS for his ambition and this intriguing way to explore his songs. And you never know, it might lead to you wanting to hear more?
Rating: 7/10
Songs Offline is out now via self-release.
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