Ripping into your ear holes with a righteous guitar scream right off the bat really catches your attention. Subtle synth sounds carry the high-pitched plucks into a full-fledged rock intro. The song (and the EP’s namesake) "What Makes Us Who We Are" is the first thing we hear on Elyria’s first album. Lead singer Kyle Ward tears in with the line “I can’t believe that it has been this long. But it’s safe to say that all your waiting is finally done.”
Elyria has been a passionate project for Ward for almost a year and a half now, and that first hook clarifies everything the band has worked up to. The fast-paced thrasher will keep your energy up throughout the entire album. Obvious pop-punk guitar riffs and almost metal drumming keeps your attention on the music. Masterful production keeps Ward’s lyrics loud and clear and guitarist Caleb Lumby’s work pertinent to smoothing out the song.
The songs selected for this EP carry a heavy, positive message for all who listen to it. The band focuses on their personal hardships on their walk through life. The lyrics explain how these are overcome and how they helped the two men grow as people.
It’s hard to imagine, while listening to this album, that Elyria is not a full band. One singer and one guitarist are all that it took to complete this project. Currently, Elyria is auditioning for an additional guitar, bass, and drums. If interested, contact the band directly on its Facebook page.
–Steven Ervay
| Steven is the intern of Midwest Music Foundation and The Deli – Kansas City. He can’t go to 21+ shows yet and that bums him out. |