I was introduced to this Stourbridge/Worcester trio recently and was impressed when I watched them supporting Dutch legends Focus, at the Robin 2 in Bilston the other week. This debut, ingeniously labeled ’Self Titled’, composes of nine original numbers and was released back in October. Echo Gecco have been making waves since they formed, another highlight was playing Lakefest in 2021, when they opened the Saturday BBC Introducing stage.
A few footsteps and soothing chords introduce ‘The Walk’, which has subtle harmonies that shadow the precise vocals of Josh Hunt. It’s a fine opener, that uncovers the band’s charismatic blend. The upbeat ‘Pot Of Coffee’ follows on, again Josh leads with semi Jazz infusions. It dances and flows, often reaching high levels and the rhythm is an amazing cascade. Catchy and having another bonding of adorable lyrics ’Sit Down ( I Don’t Wanna)’ grabs you immediately, the bass of Keega Hoang and drums from Jon Aymes are constant and on the next track ‘Wont That Be Nice’ are forefront in the mix. A summer breeze of a composition, that’s mellowed out with those tapping skins from Jon. Eerie beginnings on ’Shapes’ which is more surreal in its nature. Taking the tempo down a few notches, the vocals waver and bounce with so much gravitational pull. It all kicks off on ‘No Help Tonight’ raising the bar with rapid movement. Some interlocking of guitar and bass, that’s low enough to gel and having a colossal riff. ‘The World According To Dave’ which is aimed at Sir David Attenborough, is off the wall in many respects. All directions are spun on rotation and the effect is massive. Midway it spreads into a truly staggering instrumental piece, that reminds me of the Doors ‘LA Woman’. It resumes with softer notes, taking you on a journey, it’s quite an experience. I love the melody of ‘Spaghetti Junction’ a track that the band wrote about the effect industrialisation has on nature. The clash of harmony against that striking guitar from Hunt, is superb. Experimental and diverse in its structure, it shows off the remarkable talents of this young three piece. ‘Lonely Man’ gently sweeps across the waves with tender vocals and the guitar is impeccable. A fitting end to such an imaginative piece of work.
Alternative and unique, Echo Gecco mash several genres, creating a sound that’s impossible to load in one box. This is one of those albums that will stand the test of time, it’s so compelling and persuasive on the ear.
‘Such an imaginative piece of work’
Highlights – Pot Of Coffee, Sit Down ( I Don’t Wanna) , No Help Tonight , Spaghetti Junction.
‘SELF TITLED’ IS AVAILABLE NOW ON ALL THE USUAL PLATFORMS – See Link on the Website HERE
ECHO GECCO – FACEBOOK
RECORD COMPANY – EINGANG RECORDS LTD
MANAGEMENT – BAYTREE MUSIC MANAGEMENT
All songs written by Echo Gecco
Recorded and Mastered by Jared Bryant of Severn Valley Studios
Artwork created by Carl at Dead Human Design
