Ebb & Nova started out as a duo in 2015 with songwriters Lauren Padgett (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Matthew Purpora (lead guitar) playing local coffee shops and cafes until 2016 when they were joined by Steven Bainbridge (cello) and Patrick Brynes (percussion). As an indie/folk band, they won the Hard Rock “Sound Off Live” competition which gained them recognition and they would go on to perform on festival main stages.
Ebb & Nova would make use of their momentum from the performances and together with their ‘do it yourself’ attitude, acquired not only a local following but began to tour the east coast. The band was motivated by their self-made success to create their self-titled debut album, released in November 2017. Not long after, the single “A Devil’s Curse” would be featured on WHCP’s (Cambridge, Maryland’s community radio station) Indie City program.
They cite their influences from artists such as Coheed and Cambria, Yo-Yo Ma, Stewart Copeland, and Death Cab for Cutie. Padgett’s inspiration to perform came from Don Edwards, the famous cowboy singer and guitarist, who is her grandfather.
Ebb & Nova’s self-titled debut album contains 11 tracks that will take you on a journey of soothing melodies and vocal discoveries pulled together with a polished and professional finish. That said, there are definitely some tracks that stand out from the others.
The album opens with the instrumental track, Intro, that begins with gentle, flowing acoustic guitar notes. It’s quickly pushed to the background by a beautiful yet solemn cello solo that jumps in and with each note elicits an emotional response you can feel in your soul. Just as you’re getting carried away with its enveloping melody, the song is over. You’re going to wish this enchanting track was longer than 1:42.
The longest track, clocking in at almost 6 minutes, is Drift. It is a standout for its intense but calm melody that creates a feeling that you are adrift in a sea of uncertainty. The song opens with a short, bright acoustic guitar intro followed by light percussion.
However, it is Lauren Padgett ’s silky smooth voice that will enchant you from the start. Her voice powerfully captures and caresses each note. Enter the dark, haunting tone of the cello that eventually eases into a brightness that complements the emotiveness of Padgett’s voice. Her impressive vocals match the cello beautifully note for note and working together like they are one instrument.
The second chorus steps up and exudes an energetic acoustic guitar, cello, and percussion along with Padgett’s flowing vocals. Then the song drops back down to its slow, floating melody. Padgett’s vocals proceed to reach bright high notes and once again mix engagingly with the cello until the last verse. At this point, the cello’s deep, soulful bass dramatically finishes the song solo.
The song’s lyrics paint an emotional landscape of something that affects you deeply and profoundly and makes you feel adrift. They will take a back seat when you’re caught up on the wave of a meditative melody and Padgett’s exquisite voice.
Molly, the current single off the album, is a short track that stands out for being entertaining. A bright and spirited acoustic guitar opens up the song and is accompanied by a warm cello floating in the background before playing the last notes of the intro in unison. Padgett’s sweet, light vocals then jump right in and with the first verse, you can just feel the joy in her voice. The melody is upbeat, lively, and exudes a playfulness especially in the chorus.
Lyrically, it feels like Padgett is having a conversation with someone she wants to see so she offers to help them out so they don’t miss the party. However, it could be that she’s reflecting on herself perhaps with the verse talking about her friend who “never asked for the limelight but she’s okay”. These lyrics seem to depict that you should find a way (maybe with some help from your friends) to get to where the action is and not miss out on the fun.
The official video (included at the end of this review) for the song is a clever, light-hearted depiction of Padgett being late for her own show and how she overcomes some funny obstacles to get there while the band has to go on without her.
The track Rain opens with the soft sound of rain soon accompanied by an intense melody of acoustic guitar followed by the cello that matches its rhythm. The three together build up into an introduction of growing anticipation until Padgett’s soaring melancholy vocals envelop you as you feel the rain symbolize her vocal teardrops.
The heartfelt lyrics reflect a person’s soul-searching in the guise of loyalty that sometimes remains after a break-up. The verses sketch out in creative images how a relationship that was once on the right course but couldn’t be righted during a storm. Padgett’s interpretation of this theme draws you in until you are experiencing that loss. This is a song that takes on a deeper level of reflection and introspection after a relationship ends and you let your heart grieve.
Put on your eye patch and a skull cap (bottle of rum is optional) for the track A Devil’s Curse. The song starts off with an acoustic guitar riff of quick climbing notes that create an air of suspense that something is about to go down. But as you are perched on the edge of your seat waiting, the melody slows down into an extended solo that sounds like you’re aboard a pirate ship on the high seas either heading toward adventure or you’ve just been captured. Think Pirates of the Caribbean.
Padgett’s vocals from the get-go have a take-charge ring as she warns the pirate’s imminent victims that “ringing that bell won’t save yourself” when they storm the beach and town. This leads into a brilliant call-and-response refrain. It is here that Padgett (as the captain) issues the orders to the crew and the unified band voices respond “Everybody!” with gusto. By the second chorus, you’ll be enthusiastically joining in.
The song’s engaging lyrics fire up your imagination as you are along for the ride with a rowdy bunch of pirates looting and pillaging whatever ship or coastal town is on their horizon. All in a day’s work.
The other tracks that round out this solid album are 5 AM; Paper Tigers; Willow; El Nino, The Good Climb, and I Should Have Told You.
Highly Recommended. Ebb & Nova’s debut album delivers a musical platter made up of a pleasing mix of Padgett’s excellent vocals, blended with cello, acoustic guitar, and percussion. It serves up quite an auditory and emotional adventure for listeners. This debut is both lyrically and musically impressive and is a must for your essential collection and listening playlist if you want something that successfully reaches beyond the norm found in indie folk.
You can purchase Ebb & Nova’s album on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and CD Baby
Follow Ebb & Nova on Social Media:
Twitter: @EbbandNova
Instagram: @ebbandnova
Facebook: ebbandnova
Soundcloud: ebbandnova
Official Video of Molly