Artist: Amely
Album: Live Under Lights
Label: Fearless Records
Release Date: April 19
Grade: B-
Amely knows the best way to keep fans satisfied after an awesome debut album – acoustic renditions of fan favorites. That is exactly what takes place on its new EP Live Under Lights, but it did not work in the band's favor.
Three of the four songs that make up Live Under Lights are taken from Amely's first album, Hello World, released in September 2010. First up is the old title track "Hello World," which introduces the band's alternative sound with the softness of a guitar and drums in the background.
"Hello world/ Have you even missed me?/ Looking down from outer space/ 'Cause I've seen the stars, the sun and the sea/ But now I'm back to this place," sings lead vocalist Petie Pizarro.
Lyrics such as these comprise the rougher theme presented in Amely's songs. Combined with Pizarro's voice, the songs take on an emotional feeling with the passionate edge coming through in both the words and the subtle whine of his vocals.
"Sing to You" and "Come Back to Me" comprise the middle section of the album. Singing more about the pain of relationships and how it feels to want someone back, these pieces continue the album on a similar track.
These three songs that appeared on Amely's debut album sound much better with the original music, since they lose their energy and power when performed acoustically. Normally, when songs are performed acoustically, the rawness of hearing the singer's voice so distinctly intensifies the emotion of the lyrics. Unfortunately, for the Orlando quartet, this is not the case.
The closing track on the EP is "I'm Not Missing You," a fresh attempt for Amely. With this song, released only in the acoustic format, there is not another version to compare it to. Compared to the other tracks on the EP, it's a lot more enjoyable.
Instead of complaining about wanting an ex-girlfriend back, this song explains why the relationship came to an end. The vocals are smooth and the whine of the singer's voice is gone. It is by far the best song on Live Under Lights.
While Amely can't retain its former glory in an acoustic EP, "I'm Not Missing You" definitely shows promise for Amely's next album.
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