Ernest Ellis – ‘Heading For The Cold’

Guest post by Jodi Smith (II)

Despite what those close to me may say, I am a measured person. This does not mean that I measure my cereal each morning (one cup granola, half cup soy milk), nor does it mean that I weigh up positives and negatives of everything I do throughout the day (although that would only be an average of three things per day). In fact, much to my mother’s dismay, the 500 lines she had me write out “I will think before I do and say” in the bathroom when I was ten years old, has influenced my impulsivity little, except to the extent that I would impulsively allude to this scenario during every argument. It would seem that I am therefore the very antithesis of a measured member of society. This, however, does not pertain to the discernment I place in my music selection. Upon hearing a new song, I will qualify each bar, and hearing an obtuse, uncomfortable or expected measure, I may write it off to the depths of “done before” or “try-hard”. And so, it is rare that a song, melodically and figuratively, measures up. Songs of this calibre are often the first offerings of a new artist, as yet untainted by industry and record company input and the hedonism of fame.

This theory was inspired in part by a new artist I recently previewed, one Ernest Ellis; specifically, his latest offering, ‘Heading for the Cold.’ The song begins with a rhythm that begs you to drum your fingers, tap your feet, clap, anything to stay in control of the beat. Somewhat reminiscent of ‘Two Step’ by Dave Matthews Band, this kind of song is like an acoustically raw canter. Ellis’ voice is throaty and the lyrics inarticulate, but such sweet masculine murmurings almost become personal. This personalisation continues in the video clip, as Ellis stares directly at the camera, unblinking, almost daring you to discontinue the song and offend. Like you would want to anyway.

Perhaps what really draws you into this song is the measure of female vocals, the “ahhh” that entices you to sing along. This concept of prolonged choral notes that encapsulate listeners is not new. Take the “oohh” in ‘Wake Up’ by The Arcade Fire, or the infectious whistle in ‘Blood’ by The Middle East. Such choruses beg you to join in, no matter how uncool it may be, and in doing so, make the measure yours.
Ellis is young, a local Sydneysider with definite musical talent. The music video for this single is filmed predominantly in a milky bath, with just Ellis’ face visible. Perhaps this symbolises a rebirth, or the musical sustenance he delivers in the song. Whatever the case, I highly anticipate his upcoming album, Hunting, to be released in 2010. In light of the virtuosity of ‘Heading for the Cold’, I wonder how Ellis’ debut album will measure up, even if just to prove my own formula!

Ernest Ellis – ‘Heading For The Cold’

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