EEF, short for Early Ettringite Formation, is a quintet hailing from the picturesque Marche region of Italy. The band’s name is inspired by a chemical compound that contributes to the solidity of cement, symbolizing the robust and intricate nature of their musical fusion. Formed by the dynamic duo of Mattia Leoni (drums) and Umberto Ferretti (guitar), EEF embodies a blend of Rock, Funk, Jazz, and Fusion, creating a sound as unique as it is compelling.
Their journey began with a shared vision of pushing musical boundaries. After years of experimentation and refinement, Mattia and Umberto solidified the band’s lineup with the addition of Giovanni Golaschi (bass), Leonardo Rosselli (saxophone), and finally, the charismatic Edoardo Gili (vocals) in November 2020. This lineup brought a new depth to their sound, marked by Edoardo’s soulful voice leading the charge.
Eef Early Ettringite Formation first garnered significant attention with their debut album, “Horror Vacui,” a project that explored the concept of “fear of emptiness” by filling sonic spaces with meticulously crafted musical elements. Their innovative approach quickly gained them recognition, culminating in numerous achievements and high-profile performances. In 2018, EEF recorded their first demo and reached the finals of Tour Music Fest, securing third place nationwide. They have also shared the stage with renowned artists like Dave Weckl and Mike Stern at the Forum Jazz Live in Forlì.
Their participation in the “Una voce per San Marino” contest opened doors to the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest, where they reached the finals and secured an impressive ninth place out of over a thousand participants. Eef’s track “Downtown” won second prize at the international contest “On The Music Waves” and their performance at the “Music For the Next Generation” competition earned them second place, judged by industry luminaries Gegè Telesforo, Malika Ayane, and Alberto Martini.
Prepare to be captivated by Eef Early Ettringite Formation’s latest masterpiece, “What Eef?”, released on June 7th, 2024. This album marks a significant evolution in Eef’s sound, blending their signature Rock, Funk, Soul, and Fusion influences into a rich and intricate tapestry. With the evocative lead single “Faded Memory,” “What Eef?” promises to take listeners on an emotional and auditory journey, inviting them to explore new possibilities and dream without limits. The title “What Eef?” is a clever play on words, sparking curiosity and reflection on the infinite “What Ifs?” of life. Each of the 10 tracks offers a unique narrative, from the upbeat groove of “Rising Up” to the soulful introspection of “Something For You,” making this album a profound exploration of life’s many facets.
What Eef Album Track List:
Rising Up:
Eef Early Ettringite Formation’s “What Eef?” album’s opening single, “Rising Up,” enthralled me right away with its skillful fusion of jazz and modern soft rock. Sharp yet delicate guitar strings and complex percussion beats soon followed the bass guitar’s opening sweet lines, which created a warm and inviting atmosphere. This produced a diverse range of sounds, carefully crafted to blend into a seamless whole. It was impossible not to get carried away by the excitement of the progressive and contagious groove that the bass and guitars created.
As the song progressed, I was struck by the passionate and evocative vocals of Edoardo Gili. His voice, both soft and powerful, perfectly complemented the evolving soundscape. The track’s upbeat rhythm and energetic feel, combined with its underlying jazz influences, created a dynamic and self-evolving experience. The harmonizing vocals added depth and richness, elevating the overall feel of the song. The seamless transitions and balance between rhythm and melody showcased the band’s impressive musical creativity and innovation.
The introduction of the saxophone further heightened the track’s jazz essence, adding a silky, smooth layer to an already exquisite composition. The interplay between the vocals and instrumentation was nothing short of perfection. Each instrument, from the drums to the guitars to the bass, moved fluidly within its own element while contributing to the cohesive sound. The balance and synergy achieved in “Rising Up” are truly remarkable, making it a standout piece that perfectly encapsulates EEF’s unique fusion of contemporary rock and jazz. This track is a testament to their artistry and sets a high bar for the rest of the album.
Something For You:
The next track on Eef Early Ettringite Formation’s album “What Eef?”, “Something For You,” struck me with its unique rhythmic flow and intricate patterning. The song exudes a blend of soul and rock-blues, creating an energy that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. From the first delicate and alluring guitar strings, I was drawn into its soft, sweet melodies. This opening set a perfect stage for the deep resonance of the bass and the rhythmic touch of the drums, all harmonizing to provide a mid-energy backdrop for the lead vocalist to weave his evocative lyrics.
As the song reached the 0:35 mark, the magic truly unfolded. The instruments came into full form, with the soft rhythmic flow of the drums, the charming strings of the guitars, and the gentle caress of the bass all combining to create a soulful rock-blues rhythm. This groove, which managed to feel both laidback and forward-moving, was perfectly navigated by Edoardo Gili’s vocals. His voice carried the song with a blend of energy and calmness, guiding listeners through its progressive and unpredictable rhythm. Each subtle change and pattern kept me engaged, always wondering what the next musical twist would bring.
The addition of the saxophone added an ethereal quality to the track, further enriching its already magical soundscape. This element introduced a new layer of depth and complexity, making “Something For You” feel almost otherworldly. The interplay between all the instruments was exquisite, each contributing to a cohesive yet dynamic whole. The track’s exotic feel and masterful blend of soft rock and blues truly make it a standout. For me, “Something For You” is a true masterpiece, showcasing EEF’s ability to create music that is both innovative and deeply emotional.
What I Should Say:
The track “What I Should Say” from Eef Early Ettringite Formation’s album “What Eef?” is a captivating musical journey that had me enthralled from the very first note. The song starts with a burst of reggae-influenced rock, featuring intense opening drum rolls, grungy strings, and dynamic synth movements. This initial whirlwind of sounds soon transforms into a more organized rhythm, showcasing the groovy beat of the drums and the rhythmic flow of the bass guitar. The intoxicating reggae-inspired synth-guitar sounds created a unique rock instrumentation, setting a vibrant and upbeat backdrop for the lead vocalist’s compelling lyrics.
The track’s progression was evident in the smooth transitions that defined it as it went along. At the 0:58 point, the song started to have a more rock-centric beat, with gritty guitar tones giving the song an urgent edge. The song’s rock reverie was enhanced when the saxophone was added at this point, adding a distinctive flair. The way the rock and reggae elements interacted to produce a dynamic and thrilling experience made this segment my favorite.
At one minute and thirty-five seconds, “What I Should Say” changed again, this time into a rock sound with a hint of reggae and soul influence. This change brought a level of nuance and complexity, resulting in a dynamic and well-rounded groove. The track really shines due to its exquisite arrangement and smooth transitions across genres. Each instrument was played with such intensity and perfection that it was evident how skilled and committed the musicians were. This song, which stands out on the album, is a tribute to EEF’s ability to meld several musical genres into a cohesive and captivating composition.
Faded Memory:
“Faded Memory,” the lead single and closing track from Eef Early Ettringite Formation’s album “What Eef?”, left me in awe with its remarkable balance and consistency. The song creates a dark and dystopian atmosphere, blending funk-rock and blues with a contemporary flow. This fusion results in a true sonic reverie, mixing different sounds into a cohesive whole. The intricate balance of these diverse elements is what truly sets this track apart. It features an upbeat yet midtempo flow, driven by an exhilarating melody that captivated me from the start.
The interplay between the instruments in “Faded Memory” is peak perfection. The rhythmic groove of the drum beat, the deep flow of the bass guitar, and the subtle movements of the synths all come together seamlessly. The iconic strings of the guitar add a layer of richness, creating a harmonious sound that feels like pure musical perfection. The lead singer’s vocals gracefully navigate this intricate soundscape, carrying the lyrics with finesse and style. As the song progresses, I found myself bopping my head to the rhythm, fully immersed in the evolving melody.
What truly impressed me about “Faded Memory” were the subtle changes and shifts throughout the track. These dynamic elements kept the song engaging and unpredictable, making the listening experience truly magnificent. Despite these shifts, the overall sound remained balanced and consistent, which is a testament to EEF’s exceptional musical craftsmanship. The track’s ability to maintain its coherence while exploring various musical nuances made it a standout piece on the album. For me, “Faded Memory” is a perfect example of EEF’s talent in creating a sonic journey that is both innovative and deeply satisfying.
The band’s ability to experiment and combine many musical genres into a seamless and captivating whole is demonstrated by the album “What Eef?” by Eef Early Ettringite Formation. Reflecting on the limitless opportunities life offers, the album encourages listeners to set off on a voyage of introspection and self-discovery. “What Eef?” is a must-listen for everyone looking for a new and meaningful musical experience because of its rich instruments, powerful voices, and skillful arrangements. With their most recent album, Eef Early Ettringite Formation has made a strong statement about their creative vision and ability, continuing to surprise and enthrall the global music landscape.
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