Further North – Great ElkFurther North – Great Elk (Buy)

Great Elk’s self-titled debut EP, which was released June 22, is an amazing combination of haunting melodies that are folksy enough to resonate with you after listening to the EP.  Vibrations is a great single that shows vocalist Paul Basile’s lonesome persona that creates a weary but soothing world through his music. Bow Echo is a great track for summer as the constant beauty of the instruments makes way for a comforting sound.

Jester and June has somewhat of an anthem-like quality embracing raspy vocals and Further North has a slow, but steady build-up making damn sure that there is a stillness that can be heard throughout the track.  Basile’s raspy lovelorn voice surfaces longingly as he sings, “There’s seconds left they’re only yours and mine.” Background drums and Paul Hay’s guitar are most potent on Down in the Willow Garden, where Basile’s voice has the most emotion and strength out of all of the tracks on the EP. Hay has worked with Jenny Owen Youngs and Gregory and the Hawk, bringing some of his own musical spirit to Basile’s grave voice.

The background melodies in each of Great Elk’s songs are reminiscent of The Honorary Title’s vocals and Bon Iver’s melodies. I could only imagine what one of their shows would be like; I would think I would end up being emotional by the way that the EP moves me already. The melodies in Great Elk’s songs complement the more melancholy lyrics quite well. I think that these Brooklyn natives will have a hit album when it releases. The CD release party will be held tonight at the Mercury Lounge in New York City. I give it an 8.5.