Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Elijah Mann- Alone (2023)

Powerful and passionate with a vulnerable intimacy underlying the sophisticated melodies, singer-songwriter Elijah Mann can soar above you with his hard-hitting music while simultaneously cuddling beside you with the personal narrative. Originally hailing from Connecticut, the NYC-based singer-songwriter has a knack for fusing electronic beats with indie sentimentality and folk lilts in his unique indie-folk sound. This is my introduction to Mann, but he is already established as a powerhouse performer across the USA. Garnering followers both at gigs and across the blogosphere, Mann has performed at iconic venues like The Sultan Room and The Bowery Electric, collaborated with Ellajay and Grammy-nominated instrumentalist Dr Blum, as well as receiving rave reviews from international publications and radio stations. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Alone’.

Following his well-received single ‘Bungalow Song’, ‘Alone’ is Mann’s first release in 2023. Known for his relatable poignant lyricism, Mann connects with listeners in a heartwarming and heart-aching relatability. Setting the stage for those youthful days of unclear relationships, the “will they/won’t they” frustration, ‘Alone’ captures the core of those muddled emotions. In hindsight, such angsty feelings and gut-wrenching clinging to a hopeless affair are childish and amusingly innocent; but when you’re waiting for the inevitable text to change your whole being – it isn’t so insignificant. Elijah Mann explains:

“This song was written to be a time capsule of a 16-year-old me, seemingly always in a “will they, won’t they” scenario; angsty as hell but still living for the drama.”

As with ‘Bungalow Song’ and ‘Dust Storm Darlin’’, a twinkling of Leonard Cohen’s intensity flutters alongside Paul Simon’s sincerity in ‘Alone’. Despite the leaning toward old-school folk, a modern-day rush of alternative rock lurks throughout the indie-folk tune in the style of Hozier and James Bay. Interestingly, the reminiscence to these noted artists can be made but Elijah Mann presents an obscure rawness drawing you to a sound that is entirely Elijah Mann.

Traipsing from a soothing indie-folk acoustic guitar with soft vocals, Mann captures the comfort of youthful innocence; however, a rollercoaster of sound and emotions oozes forth as the song progresses. A slash of rock guitars matches a crash of drums with a bold bass holding its own. Rising on the mellifluous layer of softness before crashing down and around in a frenzy of confusion, angst and inner turmoil tipping you into the dramatic world of those on the precipice of love.


Find out more about Elijah Mann on his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


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