By Mike Fordham
On the inside jacket of Esthero’s EP We R In Need Of A Musical Revolution, the songstress rails against all that is wrong with the music industry today. Along with the title and a reemergence after seven years, Esthero (Jen-Bea Englishman) looks to make an impact upon modern music. Fair enough. With this particular six song set, however, Esthero’s call for rebellion may fall by the wayside. By making such bold claims, one better have the talent and strength to back up their accusations. The songstress’ musical ability is utterly apparent, but lacks the stamina necessary to make her claims hold weight.
The title track denounces the likes of MTV and Britney Spears with fairly clichéd lyrics. What earns the song its merit of originality is its trip-hop programming. Similar ambient flavors (along with a Middle Eastern flair) propel “I Drive Alone.” These songs practically beg to be remixed and remade for the dance floor.
What’s intriguing about We R In Need Of A Musical Revolution is Esthero’s chameleon-like quality to shift throughout genres, and make it work without feeling contrived. “Everyday Is A Holiday With You” lets Esthero put her pipes in the spotlight, ahead of Sean Lennon’s contribution. This soulful song, accented with soft brass, features her gorgeous singing voice. “This Lull-a-bye” is akin to “Everyday Is A Holiday With You,” making for some relaxing ear candy.
“Gone” finds Esthero taking on a more R&B/”neo-soul” route, employing the eccentric Cee-lo Green. One would expect big things from such a collaboration, but is nothing terribly extraordinary. Other contemporaries would have made “Gone” work, but here, the song just chews up time.
The EP’s “bonus track” could have easily been left off. The moody “Amber And Tiger’s Eye” is incredibly flat, going absolutely nowhere. And clocking in at seven and a half minutes, the song is agonizing.
Later this year, Esthero will issue out a new full-length album entitled Wikked Lil’ Grrls. This EP shows promise after many years of waiting, but also contains some potential trouble. Esthero may want to stick to material that shows off her lovely voice and more trip-hop-oriented songs. Otherwise, the album will be a hodgepodge of genres that doesn’t really say anything. While overall, We R In Need Of A Musical Revolution is a bit uneven, Esthero’s intentions are the right place. Maybe at some point, that “revolution” will come.