By Alec Lautanenn
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In an era where the high school music scene tends to be overpopulated with imitation lo-fi garage-rock bands that sing generic, sappy lyrics, Mira Costa student band Eden’s Bliss differentiates itself on its latest EP, “EBEP.”
Eden’s Bliss is comprised of juniors Brandon Hafetz (vocals, sound production), Michael de Virgilio (vocals and guitar) Ari Stern (percussion), and Mira Costa sophomore Jackson Webster (saxophone). They have played numerous events at Mira Costa and at the Hometown Fair’s Battle of the Bands as well as at West Hollywood’s well-known hot spot, the Whisky A Go Go.
The six-track “EBEP” debuted on Saturday during a performance at Relay for Life. The EP contains impressively precise instrumentation from all members of the band as well as lyrics that are well versed, thought out and simply entertaining.
The album starts out with the oddly titled track “I Am the Purple One.” Although the actual meaning of the song is far from clear, the lyrics don’t necessitate one. With lines like “purple cows make purple milk” and “generous grapes give healthy living,” as well as intriguing instrumentals, the song starts the album on a quirky note.
Eden’s Bliss vocalists Hafetz and de Virgilio deliver their lyrics with both skill and simplicity. They don’t go out of the way to sing overpowering vocals that drown out the band’s strongest elements.This easygoing style works well with the band’s slow-paced instrumentals and alternating vocal sections.
Another strong point of “EBEP” is Stern’s percussion. Stern’s jazz-inspired beats complement the groovy guitar and bass sections very well to create an alternative-jazz fusion. They were even impressive enough to be notable during the band’s live showcase at Relay for Life.
Stern’s drum sections on “EBEP” are vibrant and original enough to be noticed and appreciated by listeners but not so overpowering that they drown out the band’s vocals and other instruments.
Webster, a relatively new member, appears on the closing track, “Finally,” playing the saxophone. Just when the album is about to end as a simple, predictable alternative record, the added saxophone comes in and instantly makes the band more versatile. The instrument augments the new jazz sound of the band and was a brilliant move on the part of Eden’s Bliss.
One of the most respectable and impressive aspects of “EBEP” is Hafetz’s production quality, especially since he produced the album himself. There isn’t a single instance in the EP where any one instrument or vocal part overpowers another, and all components mesh well.
“EBEP” proves just what Mira Costa’s more musically inclined students are capable of producing. Eden’s Bliss has created an album that isn’t obnoxiously and excessively loud or overtly and markedly emotional. It’s an ideal combination of their new and old style that leads to promising growth in any band.
“EBEP” is available in its entirety on Eden’s Bliss’ soundcloud.com page.
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