Egregore and I — Songs From A Window (Bandcamp) (13th Floor EP Review)
Egregore and I/Elliot Tremlett — is Ōtautahi/Christchurch–based musician and writer who exists in two worlds: music and poetry.
In reality, that duality is more singular than it first appears. Songs From A Window comprises seven songs, none exceeding three minutes (some shy of two), making it an EP rather than a full-length LP. The compositions are stripped back, consisting solely of Tremlett and his acoustic guitar.
Thematically, Egregore and I offers a modernist take on the 21st century: systemic economic inequality (Our House), Bob Dylan fanboyism (Lady Peaceful), and love — perhaps forlorn or lost — (Sophia). Musically, Songs From A Window floats between, and draws upon, ’60s folk and contemporary emo-pop. It is simply recorded and competently produced.
Vocally, Tremlett’s immersion in literature is evident and prevalent. The songs are wordy, yet constructed with care, avoiding millennial oversimplification and facility. There is an attentiveness to language here that rewards close listening.
Songs From A Window may well be the medium that encourages more live performances by Egregore and I — and, in the right venue and setting, such performances would be an experience worth venturing out for.
Simon Coffey
Songs From A Window is available now on Bandcamp
