An old soul focusing on themes of heartbreak and love, Damon Mitchell showcases maturity in songwriting in his newest EP, āEliseā: a smooth blend of retro pop into 60ās and 70ās classic rock. The development of the EP through simple instrumentation ā mainly comprised of piano, drums, and guitar ā allows the earnest, wistful quality of his voice to shine through alongside suave vocals, particularly in āHeistā and āJust a Face.ā āEliseā also includes Mitchellās latest single, āLicense Plate,ā which shifts into a more country, western feel and possibly refers to his roots in Indiana. This EP barely varies in instrumentation, but does a bit in āWorld in Her Eyesā and in its titular track āElise.ā Concluding with its titular track, āEliseā ends on a slightly dreamy, pensive note, as it ties the different instrumental and lyrical themes together neatly.
At times, Mitchell keeps things a little too simple because some of the songs feel basic and repetitive in their instrumental and vocal melodies. Because a lot of the EPās strength lies in Mitchellās songwriting, it mainly comes alive through the lyricism, and its tendency towards poetic moments. But overall, āEliseā is a seamless, ingenious dream of pop and classic rock throwing you back to the groove of the mid-60ās.
