Chaos Emeralds’ Debut Album Is A Wide Wonder [PREMIERE]

Singer Daniel Ellsworth, of Nashville rock band Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes, recently found himself in a quandary. He had written some songs, but they weren’t quite the right sound for the Great Lakes’ more alt-rock, folky sound. So he approached producer Kyle Andrews with the songs he’d written, and pretty soon the collaboration morphed into a full-fledged band. Thus, Chaos Emeralds was born, and we’re so excited to premiere the stream of their self-titled debut album here on The Wild Honey Pie.

The band’s description claims that they make music for “love & parties,” a pairing which could not be more accurate. With each listen, it’s easy to imagine yourself in romantic situations with these tunes as the background. Ellsworth & Andrews’ melodies sling themselves, thick as syrup, over expansive synths for 10 moody and magnificent tracks, each with their own individual spirits. Opening track “Too Gone” sets the tone for the collection with gem-like instrumentals befitting of the band’s name, which is quickly followed by the upbeat “Untied,” with massive drums that bring to mind bands like St. Lucia and all the 80s tracks that inspired them. Dancefloor-ready “Lift It Up” has a driving beat that would quickly grab the attention of fans of Great Good Fine OK, and penultimate ballad “Never” laments that “This is all my fault” amongst shimmering piano chords.

Spanning a rainbow-colored spectrum of emotions, Chaos Emeralds is a remarkable debut from a promising new band. Check out the full album above and more from Daniel Ellsworth and Kyle Andrews below:

I’ve always wanted to make a pop record. I had been sitting on a handful of songs I had written that weren’t right musically for Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes, but knew I definitely wanted to do something with. Having always wanted to work with Kyle, I approached him about the songs and that quickly morphed into a full-on electro-pop collaboration that became Chaos Emeralds. Over the course of a year we worked on tracks – sending ideas back and forth, writing, honing a sound, getting together in the studio when we were able to – eventually leading to the songs that would become this album. Combining intimate, sometimes cryptic lyrics touching on love, sex, heartbreak, and youthful optimism with sweeping synths, huge melodies, and rich production – Chaos Emeralds is exactly the pop record that I’ve always wanted to make. – Daniel

Sometimes electro pop can be emotionally vacuous. This album allowed us to explore a rich sonic palette, all in support of making a deeper emotional connection through the songs. It is hopefully, music to be shared with others in a “party” setting and equally rewarding during solitary reflection. – Kyle