Send "Eisley " Ringtones to your Cell 
| Sputnikmusic |
 Eisley’s music has always been the kind of thing that you could listen to after a hard day and almost immediately feel relaxed. Such is the power of the DuPree sisters’ voices and the lush, laid-back music that accompanies them. This has allowed their albums to consistently provide a pervasive atmosphere of uplifting serenity – an escape from the real world. This shouldn’t really come as a surprise once you consider the fact that they started as the house band for their local church, and despite their subsequent fame, they’ve never really strayed from their wholesome beginnings – although it should be stressed that they’re not considered a Christian band. Eisley’s third album, The Valley, still retains the same formula that made past albums so comforting, but harsh reality has finally created a bit of grey around the edges. The promotional material that accompanies this album is quick to point out that just about every member of this band has endured some sort of tribulation and/or hardship since the release of their sophomore album and it is definitely apparent. That statement isn’t supposed to imply that Eisley have suddenly become edgy or jaded, though, because nothing could be further from the truth. It’s just that buried within a sound that is still very much focused on the sweet vocals of the DuPree sisters is a feeling that life hasn’t been nice lately. The album’s second track, “Smarter”, sums it up perfectly when Stacy sings, “If I sound angry, I’m sorry. This body can only cry for so long. And if you want to blame me, then go on. I’m smiling now because I’m smarter than you think.” In order to capitalize on the blunt lyrical content, the band pushes towards a more riff-oriented direction than a majority of their previous output. Of course, these riffs are still contrasted with melodious backing vocals and subtle piano flourishes that help maintain the peaceful atmospheres that the band are really known for. In fact, no matter how dismal things become, the band never loose sight of what really makes them special....full text |
| Creativeloafing |
| Eisley is a family band that gets it right. The DuPrees – three sisters, a brother, and a cousin – rise above the occasional Partridge Family stereotypes to create radio-friendly pop infused with just-odd-enough metaphors and symphonic twinkleness that they can’t seem to please the big wigs controlling the airwaves. And that’s what I love about them. They will never sell out or try out whatever’s popular at the moment or create a Bieber Fever-type frenzy. They’re staunch enough to turn down a contract renewal with a label that basically ignored them because they didn’t make enough moolah (Warner Bros.), and they’re true enough to their fans and their art to keep on keepin’ on in the underground by joining the ranks of an indie label (Equal Vision). With their third LP, The Valley, Eisley comes off as more orchestrated, more mature, and more inspiring than ever. In the four years since their last album, each of the respective DuPrees experienced a low personal valley (hence the title), and most of the songs reflect shock, bitterness, resentment, and recovery from sudden heartbreak. The musicians make you feel their raw but eventually optimistic pain with relatable lyrics crafted around airy layers of melodies and a few tracks marked by the sort of wailing solos that bring you down to the depths of the moment the despair hit. Plus, Sherri and Stacy DuPree have ridiculously clear, angelic voices that even sound pretty when they’re fuming at “you and all your friends who didn’t like me” and “that apocryphal wedding.” Harmonies abound, as usual – a highlight being the Fleetwood Mac-esque vocal layering of “whoas” in “Oxygen Mask.”...full text |
| Thealbumproject |
| When Stacy Dupree belts out “I don’t believe in magic” on the opening and title track of Eisley’s 3rd full-length “The Valley,” it’s clear that something has changed for the band since their last album 4 years ago. Originally towheaded siblings that sang about make believe, fairy tales, and youthful love, Eisley have changed their tune. The album is a blend of the sparkling and the gritty: crunchy guitars accompany heartbreak and sorrow while sprightly vocals celebrate new love. Overall, the pure vocal talents of Sherri and Stacy Dupree paint spine-tingling melodies accompanied by the most tasteful of instrumental soundscapes, whether the band is rocking out or daydreaming. All the elements of a good Eisley album are here: the enchanting vocals, stylish layers and harmonies, climbing melodies, and charisma. ‘The Valley’ is never boring and doesn’t contain a single bad song. Each song from the minimalist, plaintive “Kind” to the riotous “Smarter” is accessible and well rounded. A few of the songs drag in the verses, but the band knocks every chorus out of the park. For the usually raw and unassuming Eisley, these songs are big. There are a lot of guitars, soaring choruses, and show-ready anthems chock full of emotion for impassioned sing-alongs. The intimacy of the former Eisley is less apparent on ‘The Valley,’ though comes out on the piano ballad “Kind,” a stand-out track featuring swelling string accompaniment by Jeremy Larson. Lyrically, the album is a mixed bag. The DuPree sisters seem to have gone for simplicity on their latest offering, sometimes with excellent results (the sincere “Oh, I wish you felt this way”) and other times it falls flat (the uncreative “Sad! I feel sad”). Even more puzzling, however, is this veteran band’s mixed success with coupling melodies and lyrics. The title track boasts an energized melody and words that pop, but on other songs, like the bitter “Sad,” the words feel oddly forced into the melody or strangely drawn out so that all phrasing and meaning is lost. ...full text |
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