Eleanore Releases "Full Throttle In All Directions"
Eleanore, one of the first bands I got super psyched about when I first started this little underground music venture of mine, released their debut album, Full Throttle in All Directions on April 14!
Eleanore is a stoner rock band from Emden, Germnay. They made their way onto my radar in December 2023 with the release of their EP Demotape, quickly gaining and hooking my attention with their grunge-tinted stoner garage sound and relatable lyrics. Since then, the band has been hard at work behind the scenes, releasing the single Dunkirk just before Christmas Day 2023, and playing quite a few gigs in the interim. Eleanore's goal has always been to combine a wide variety of musical influences into their own unique sound. As you'll see, this is an endeavor that began with Demotape and has been accomplished with Full Throttle in All Directions, not only with Eleanore optimizing their recording setup but in cementing a signature sound that, to my ears, delivers quite a bit of nostalgia.
Full Throttle In All Directions
1. Dollymount
The album opens with Dollymount and an awesome, driving stoner riff. The bass swells up from the bottom and really engulfs you in the earlier part of the song. There's a ton of energy here from the garage and stoner influences, but there's also a hint of darker melodic punk.
2. So Long
So Long follows Dollymount in a similar vein instrumentally, but vocals and lyrics bring a more melancholic vibe this time, expressing a fear of losing one's childhood memories, but maintaining hope that everyone is still chasing the dreams of their youth. That sense of simultaneous sadness, nostalgia, and hope are communicated very well through both the instrumentals and vocals.
3. At The Edge
This is an incredibly catchy alternative/stoner jam that I found myself nodding along to. I can't help but notice that thread of darkness that's still hanging around though, adding a lot of dimension that surrounds you and swallows you up.
4. One For The Road
This song might just be my favorite on the album. Psyching you up from the start with some booming percussion, it has an anthem-like quality, creating a feel-good mood, with some killer guitar work that seals the deal. I love that the instrumentals are kept on the lower, heavier side of the spectrum for the most part, like a rumbling beneath your feet, never becoming overly bright and airy and keeping the momentum going. I bet this song is amazing live!
5. Dunkirk
This was the song that really solidified my love for Eleanore when it came out in December 2023. It skillfully utilizes instrumental building and emotionally-charged vocals to set the mood. Not only that, but I was very pleasantly surprised to hear some psychedelic elements with the guitar as well. It all fits together beautifully! This is a very sophisticated, contemplative side of Eleanore.
6. Sky Valley
This is the coolest curve ball that I could have been thrown; "It's a stoner/desert cowboy song!" I giddily said out loud upon my first listen of Sky Valley. Some country-tinged guitar, haunting vocals, and a tale of a homecoming journey through the desert create the perfect combination. Seriously, coming from a country-born girl who was raised on the corresponding music: Mario...that guitar? Nice.
Final Thoughts
Eleanore is a band that's full of awesome surprises. Not only did they release Full Throttle In All Directions less than a week after announcing it, but its contents reveal a more sophisticated, well-rounded sound that clearly demonstrates the band's ability to play more than garage rock. I think it's safe to say that Eleanore is putting the final touches on that "wall of sound" that they strive for, adding a massive amount of dimension on this album, honing their craft while developing new skills. This is a band with a ton of ambition and a willingness to always expand their repertoire, and that's palpable on Full Throttle In All Directions. Furthermore, they always manage to keep things very down to earth with their approachable lyrics and by incorporating elements of the music many of us grew up on. That being said, listening to Full Throttle In All Directions feels like catching up with an old friend you haven't seen in a while. There are many things that are familiar, some things that are new to you, but that fundamental core that established the friendship will always be there.
More About Eleanore
Eleanore Is:
Olli - Bass, Vocals
Stefan - Drums
Mario - Guitar, Vocals
You can support Eleanore by streaming/purchasing their music and following them here:
Full Throttle In All Directions is currently available to stream on Bandcamp and YouTube, but will be available in all the big online stores by the end of April 2024.
A huge thank you to Eleanore not only for sharing your awesome music with me, but for always being an incredibly supportive member of the underground stoner/doom community. You rock!
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