Producing one of the best, most solid pop/rock releases to come out of
Adelaide for quite some time, Illicit Eve have been rocking and recording to
present their second album, 'Into The Woods'. This album is full of big guitars,
sultry vocals and intelligent song writing that welcomes Illicit Eve back from
their 2005 debut 'Element Eleven'. Emily Smart (lead vocals and guitar) and
Fliss Freeman (bass guitar and vocals) are Illicit Eve, and what a stylish,
modern rock duo they are.
Opening track, 'The Sound', starts with a
spine-tingling guitar solo before breaking into mind numbing bass making the
furious sound that is Illicit Eve. With catchy riffs throughout and a change to
make any song, 'The Sound' is layered beautifully with plenty of guitars and
biting vocals, making this one of the best songs on the album.
'Shark
Bait' is full of groove, shiny lead guitar and gorgeous vocals (spiced up here
and there with electric effects). This song is lyrically well written and
vocally strong. What REALLY makes this song so strong and groovy is the big,
funky bass walking all over the fretboard. A very powerful pop song indeed.
Next is their single, 'They Don't Make Boys Like They Used To', and what a
good choice it is. 'They Don't Make Boys…' is a solid rock tune. Rich with a
solid guitar riff, bass and drums humming over in the background, but more
interestingly, overflowing with plush harmonies. A great example of both voices
creating a unique and refreshing sound, ala 'Sleater-Kinney', which is quite a
compliment.
The album's title track 'Into The Woods' is packed with a
great riff on multiple guitars (both clean and dirty), the bass is also very
gripping, with tight drums and a chorus so striking to make 'Into The Woods' a
haunting little number.
Again, with plenty to mix 'Beautiful Creatures'
is a well mixed song. From the rhythmic guitar to the again, busy walking bass.
But it's the high pitched vocals with breathtaking lyrics to the slower beat
that makes 'Beautiful Creatures' just a beautiful song and a contrasting cut
compared to the rest of the album.
Back with grunge guitars is 'Two Tired
Hands'. Grand, rolling drums are accompanied with rock-solid bass holding up
huge melodic harmonies. So prosperous with synchronisation, both relentless
vocals again, making this song a big stand out.
The drums and guitar with
opposing bass converge with edgy melodious lyrics making '11:11' sound like a
short disco song. With vocals whaling and hi-hats purring with the bassline and
added samples, and a change so deep and drowning of any other pop tune on this
album.
This time Fliss Freeman's at vocals and with a lower velvety tone
at that, she pulls off every cold verse and big chorus. Between the good samples
used on this song, 'The Coldest Winter' has such an imaginative beat, with an
ambient quality mixed with its industrial feel and icy lyrics.
The effect
of reversed guitars begins 'Shadows'. With demanding, pendulous guitars and
intriguing bass all caught up in the continuing, overcoming drums to make this
track another solid alternative-sounding composition with exceptionally well
balanced vocals during the exhilarating choruses.
'Into The Woods' ends
with the unearthly sounding 'Heavy Lung', with great use of samples and keys the
song develops into an industrious, soulful, intelligent piece of music; to the
beautifully recorded vocals with picturesque words and melody to suit to the big
saxophone solo making 'Heavy Lung' a harmonious conclusion to the album.
And there it is, Illicit Eve, who over the years have been expanding creatively,
intellectually and melodically. Dramatic, big rhythmic rock to delicate punch
pop all in one makes 'Into The Woods' an album definitely worth listening to,
and cements Illicit Eve as Adelaide's premiere girl fronted band.
Dobbie Glasson - musicsa.com.au
On an afternoon of introspection/contemplation following a date that
to be blunt, failed to meet the dizzying heights of my fantasies (I
attract losers refer first paragraph – getting back on the horse isn't
that easy). I lie on my freshly mowed lawn with the sun licking at my
heels. Beside me my friend sit's, herself somewhat disenchanted with the
hand life has dealt her of late. We ponder the possibilities of the
approaching night, Saturday no less. Heinekens wet our lips and our
sense of adventure. Music has been played and discarded as the fit is
rather like that of the wicked step sister's foot into Cinderella's
glass slipper – not right. Then along comes Illicit Eve and Into the
Woods we go!
Into the Woods is the second album for Adelaide
female rock duo Emily Smart (lead vocals and guitar) and Fliss Freeman
(bass guitar and vocals) they are accompanied by a various back line
drummers, and brass players. The album features an assortment of
lyrically creative rock songs layered with ambient textures, mesmerising
bass, rich with harmonies, roaring guitars, and unique arrangements. I'm
a big fan of female fronted rock and these two young women conjure up
visions/sounds of a musical tapestry rich with sounds of a by gone era
Suze DeMarchi (Baby Animals), Wendy James (Transvision Vamp) and a
little of the new…..think The Veronicas on acid! Illicit Eve are
energetic, saucy and spell binding!
Opening track The Sound
contains the line "rather see a band than go to the cinema" I couldn't
agree more and this song is the perfect conveyer of that message, loud
explosive and totally gripping. Shark Bait is a personal favourite with
its poetic lyricism and funky soaring vibe. Next up the single They
Don't Make Boys Like They Used To is a pulsing rock song with a dirty,
edgy melody. The remainder of the album is made up of an adventurous and
imaginative assortment of songs conjuring up emotions through
imaginative, melodic, edgy, grunge disco, reflective and sultry, pop
infused rock songs. Last up Heavy Lung is a sensuous, beguiling
heartfelt and fitting finale to an album of gutsy, feminine, fairy tale
wonderment and skilled musicianship.
thedwarf.com.au
These chicks from Adelaide know how to rock and how to rock hard. They’ve downsized from a duo since their 2005 debut Element Eleven, and it’s worked for them. Like a cross between The Donnas, Sahara Hotnights and a rockier Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the girls have mastered the art of creating infectious riffs and seamless melodies. The tracks Shark Bait and They Don’t Make Boys Like They Used To show their ability to rock it with the best of them, but the slow and subtle ballad Beautiful Creatures gives Into the Woods some balance and a touch of personality. Now it’s time to bring on a series of headline live shows – If this CD is anything to go by, a tour would launch these gals into a different league.
mxCitybeat Magazine (melb) – CD of the Week - Andrea Beattie
The hottest local rock duo to surface in recent years has to be the dynamic duo, Illicit Eve. Emily Smart (lead vocals and guitar) and Fliss Freeman (bass guitar and vocals) have been busily performing their own material around town for a couple of years and now, after the success of their first album, Element 11, they have released Into the Woods.
For a band of two, they produce a big sound (with a little help from a few drummers, sax and trumpet players). Smart’s poetic lyrics connect with myths and fables. They fascinate, mystify and delight as they delve into the complexities of modern life. Smart belts out her songs powerfully with a voice that is rich and sweet and Freeman’s harmonies complete a unique blend.
Illicit Eve plays good solid rock that is lively, funky and with a sense of frenetic fun. Freeman’s dexterous bass-playing drives numbers like "They don’t make boys like they used to", making them very catchy. These two hot young talents really show off their diverse musical skills in "Beautiful Creatures", which provides a gentle, melodic change of pace while painting some sensual pictures.
As they say in their opening track, "Sound", "this music is so addictive it'll rush through you". "Heavy Lung" is a fine finish, with its soft ethereal beginning, thoughtful words and compelling choruses. Illicit Eve’s rise on the local and national music scene is no fairy tale. Into the Woods should elicit an enthusiastic response that translates into a growing following, full houses and queues in record stores.
Independent Weekly - Greg Elliott
This is a really strong record from South Australia's Illicit Eve. They are a three-piece outfit with a couple of girls on guitar and bass. Emily Smart is the guitarist and vocalist while Fliss Freeman handles bass duties. Drums are provided by Cozmo Beregovsky on the record. He has since been replaced by Mark Chewey.
The first cut, "Forgiveness Is Free," roars out of the blocks with a crunchy guitar under a confident vocal. The song is OK but I would not have started the record with it as there are much better songs on the record. "Reborn" is a tremendous cut with a great vocal by Emily that just draws you in. The chorus is second-to-none, making the song among the best of the record while a quirky synth line towards the end of the cut helps punch it up.
"Malleable" is another excellent cut with its lazy vocal during the verses. Another great chorus is offered up with Emily and Fliss' nice harmonies. "Long Ago" has one of the best melody lines on the whole record. This is a terrific song and excellent vocal. The acoustic guitar that launches the rocker that is "Dandelions" really helps show the band has a great sense of dynamics. "Revolution" is another compelling cut with a rhythm that just draws you in. This one has a nice little funky break and a tasty bass line.
The title cut comes at you with an energy that is undeniable, powered by a great melody line and honey-dipped vocals. "Ordinary Angel" is a gorgeous song with a really strong chorus. "Last Confession" mixes up a bit of grit with the tunefulness.
Element Eleven is an excellent record that bubbles over with melody and energy. Emily Smart's arresting vocals are a centre-point of the record, especially when combined with Fliss Freeman's, which is stocked with really top-notch songs. The bass lines of Freeman really help support each song, giving them muscle but never overpowering the affair. Let's hope North American audiences will get to see them soon.
Rated: 4 Stars | Morley Seaver, Now On Tour
"These girls are amazing. I’m blown away by these unbelievably talented voices. It literally gave me chills!”
John Epstein, Stretch the Skies (USA)
"Illicit Eve’s debut album Element 11 is not going to go out of style''
Art Zipman, Zip Records - San Francisco
"Illicit Eve’s star is certainly on the rise.''
Steve Jones, DB Magazine
"Music’s good and vocals are dead on… They have a great recipe for success.''
Vince Pawless, Pawless Guitars
"Element 11 combines explosive rock energy with melodic hooks.''
Elliana Brooks, Rip It Up Magazine
"One of Adelaide’s fastest-rising acts''
The Advertiser
"The trio is certainly versatile – with a really strong live sound''
The Messenger
5/5
"Riff'n Rock'n track that exploits both Emily's amazing voice and Felicity's awesome bass playing abilities. The song is a feast for your audio senses that leaves you full and satisfied."
davo9999 - 07 Nov, 2007
5/5
"Nice. This is a really wicked track. Love the crunchiness of the guitars. Love to hear more of your stuff."
clevergirl - 21 Oct, 2007
4/5
"This is how I like my blues - in a rock context! Nice work Eve, familiar enough to be catchy, different enough to be original!"
suze - 17 Oct, 2007
5/5
"Hell of a song starts slow and melodic before ramping up and blowing your ear drums away as Emily shows off her vocal range."
davo9999 - 12 Mar, 2007