August 2nd, 2008 
James Shotwell 
Band: Eye Alaska
Album: Yellow & Elephant
Genre: Pop/Rock
Label: Fearless
Tracks:
1. I Knew You’d Never Fly
2. Stop Me Now, I’m Not Ready
3. Roll Right Over
4. Through Willows and Streams
5. A Storm In The Child’s Fountain
6. Cheetah and The Tiger
Sometimes, it takes a lot of to sell me on a new band. Considering how many albums roll through UTG’s mail box each week, it takes something special for us to give you a second thought sometimes [though we listen to every band that asks us to], however, as soon as I hear Dustin Kensrue [of Thrice fame]’s brother had a band, I was stumbling over myself to press play on Eye Alaska’s debut EP, Yellow & Elephant. Now, have no fears, this isn’t a Thrice impersonator [Chase Kensrue is not even on lead vocals], but rather a beautiful and stunning mellow rock/pop group with wonderful harmony and song structure. Having heard this album quite a few times now, I can honestly say, there is no need to bring up the Kensrue family name because this band will, in no time, make a name and solid ground for themselves that will last for quite awhile.
Yellow begins with, “I Knew You’d Never Fly,” which welcomes us with a near haunting melody with delicate piano lines that you’ll embrace instantly. Vocalist Brandon Wronski has the kind of voice label heads go nuts over because not only is it engaging to a general audience, but there’s this youthful innocence to it that makes the ladies melt and since teen girls are the biggest market for this group, they are golden. Musically, this song creates a feeling in you that can only be explained as joy and comfort in whatever it is you’re doing while it play. Some gang vocals near the end really seal this as a solid opener. “Stop Me Now, I’m Not Ready,” begins with a somber tone as well. There’s almost an Indian [the country, not Native American] feel to the intro, but then a rock steady drum beat comes in and some great guitar effects just let’s you sink into the rhyme scheme of Wronski and group. Think if Maroon 5 mellowed out a bit more than they already are and you’ll have how this song plays out. Though, unlike those top 40 hipsters, these harmonies are undeniable as is every single note played by the group as a whole.
Things speed up and add a throwback to 70’s soul with, “Roll Right Over.” This song, to me, is for the guys looking to set the mood with that special girl. You know how in all the great teen love films there’s that scene with candles and the perfect song on the stereo? This is that song. The mood evokes passion and love while still making you want to move, dance, or what have you. However, if for some reason this song is a little too heavy on the passion, “Through Willows and Streams,” is a bit lighter, but still screams of romance. There’s a large amount of group harmony lightly placed in the back and it just screams, “dance with me under stars,” and yes I realize how lame it sounds, but it’s what I hear.
Eye Alaska chooses to slow things back down for the closing tracks. First up, the emotionally charged, “A Storm In The Child’s Fountain,” which, musically, screams of sheer brilliance. The atmosphere created by the swirling piano, guitar, and storm samples [along with various other things] simply sucks you into the world of Eye Alaska. There’s a beautiful use of nearly every percussion instrument you can imagine, but trust me, even with the simple guitar, bass, drum, vocal parts, this song would be wonderful. Though, “A Storm,” nearly fails when put against the album closer, “Cheetah and The Tiger.” If Maroon 5, Robin Thicke, and Justin Timberlake were thrown in a blender, this song would be the delicious smoothie those elements created. A steady bass line sets the tone for a slow dance and the drums lay out the pace to move by. Wronski’s voice has never sounded as great and the guitar/key accompaniment only go to flush out the mood even better. This song not only seals the album with a bow, but it makes you twitch with desire for more.
Eye Alaska’s debut, Yellow & Elephant creates an overall atmosphere that is so entirely pleasing you’ll never want it to end. Each member goes above and beyond their roles to make the first truly unique sound I’ve heard in a long time. If this album and band doesn’t blow up, we all might as well pack our bags and kiss the human race goodbye for we will have finally sealed the coffin on good taste. This record is nearly flawless and should be recognized as such by everyone. If you haven’t checked these guys out yet, go…NOW!
*Written By: James Shotwell*
GRADE: 9.5/10
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