More about: Eels

After the slightly bitter and twisted lyrics in previous effort Earth to Dora, E turns the spotlight on himself for Eels’ fourtheenth album Extreme Witchcraft, achieving an inspirational collection of songs.

Acceptance is the key theme of the album, as all — or at least most — of the bad feelings caused by a break-up are traded for moving on and finding peace with himself. E’s proclaimed self-love reaches a crescendo in ‘The Magic’ when he invites potential suitors to "feel the magic" he has to offer, albeit in typical Eels style with the recognition that he isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. 

The self-love message, championed perhaps most notably in recent times by Self Esteem, is twinned with perfectly judged self-awareness, creating a heady cocktail of relatable positivity. Musically, the guitars are scuzzy (see: Du Blonde) with a surprising amount of electronic percussion, in addition to the regular drumming, and subtle production from PJ Harvey producer, John Parish, giving the album its own unique sound. 

Opener ‘Amateur Hour’ segues nicely from Earth to Dora, containing barbed lyrics aimed at E’s previous lover — the only such lyrical sourness on the album — which are merely an aside to his current happiness. Appreciation of the world around us is detailed in both ‘Amateur Hour’ and second track and lead single ‘Good Night on Earth’, which draws you in with it’s The Black Keys-esque riff while E celebrates a moment in time, acknowledging and accepting his imperfections. 

‘Strawberries & Popcorn’ begins with woozy guitar and sets the lyrical manifesto for the rest of the album with a chorus of "if I want to eat strawberries and popcorn for dinner, then it’s up to me". This song is E throwing off the shackles of his previous relationship and telling her that he can do what he wants to now; all slightly juvenile, but wounds do appear with E lamenting the lack of someone to confide in which stops the nu-metal ‘f-you’ sentiment in its tracks. 

‘Grandfather Clock Strikes Twelve’ is a funky party song, inviting the listener to enjoy the moment and not stress about what’s in the news. ‘Stumbling Bee’ appears to reflect on the pandemic by being unable to "fly away" with E saying he’s been through worse and defiantly stating "I’m going to find my way" on a song which wouldn’t look out of place if it had been released by Field Music. Album highlight ‘What It Isn’t’ lulls you in with violins reminiscent of ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ during the softly sung verses, which are abruptly ended with E’s shouted growls for the chorus in which he urges a friend to change their mindset and make the most of this life — one of two songs in which E shares positive mental health advice with a loved one. 

Extreme Witchcraft loses its verve a little with ‘So Anyway’, a heartfelt ode pleading a lover not to leave which is overly morose, but recovers instantly with ‘What It Isn’t’ and ends with ‘I Know You’re Right’, a cinematic tribute to E’s current lover’s wisdom which sees the candid frontman sign off humorously with "I’m a God damn fool".

A fool he is certainly not. Extreme Witchcraft is a celebration of our idiosyncrasies, full of wit and heart, and an unlikely entry into music’s ‘self-help’ catalogue.'

Extreme Witchcraft arrives 28 January via PIAS.

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More about: Eels