Words: James Dyke
[released on E Works] 

‘Tommorow Morning’ is the third installment of Eels’ so called ‘trilogy’ of albums released over the past 14 or so months (The previous two being ‘Hombre lobo’ - June 2009, and ‘End Times’ - January 2010).

Singer/Songwriter ‘E’ delivers an incredibly uplifting record, exploring the themes of redemption, following desire and loss. The album starts somewhat at a downpoint with the melancholic ‘Hummingbird’, before quickly turning on the listener. ‘Baby Loves Me’ and ‘Spectacular Girl’ are Beck-esque rushes of euphoria reminiscent of the beginning of a new relationship. Eels’ stripped-down style often comprised of just electronic and percussion instruments highlights the importance of Mark Oliver Everett’s vocals, a slurred Western accent, drunk on heartbreak. ‘After The Earthqauke’ provides a beautiful instrumental interlude, contrasting hugely to the rest of the album, and Eels’ sound in general. ‘Tommorow Morning’ is comprised of short but sweet tracks, each telling a new chapter in E’s love story, a structure which is refreshing, and very accessible for any new listeners. The final third of the album blooms into E’s re-birth, with incredibly positive tracks such as ‘Oh So Lovely’ and ‘I Like The Way This Is Going’, the latter being one of the most accurate portrayals of a new relationship getting off the ground that I’ve ever heard.

You’d think with such productive and consistent releases (3 albums in 14 months), Eels may be forgiven for running out of steam with this record. Instead we are treated to a minimalistic offering - such a contrast to E’s eartly work - which never fails to evoke sadness, hope and finally happiness. Stripped back to basics, the album’s structure and sound reflects perfectly the meaning of ‘Tommorow Morning’. Taken straight from the human heart, if there’s one truly meaningful record you invest in this Summer, make it this one.

8.4