HomeMusicSeth Ennis – Mabelle EP review

Seth Ennis – Mabelle EP review

Seth Ennis - Mabelle EP
Credit: Sony Music

Singer-songwriter Seth Ennis made his debut in the UK earlier this year as part of the C2C: Country to Country line-up. Performing on the Satellite Stage, fans got a short glimpse into what the much-buzzed artist is all about and it’s safe to say he went down very well with the audience. Last month Ennis returned to the UK as support for Little Big Town and at the Royal Albert Hall in London he got a standing ovation.

Related: Seth Ennis talks about his UK fans, new music and his EP Mabelle

To coincide with the tour dates, Ennis officially released his debut EP Mabelle in the UK. The 5-track collection showcases what Ennis has to offer and positions him as someone worth keeping an eye on. The EP’s lead single was Woke Up in Nashville, a track produced by hit-maker Corey Crowder and co-written by Ennis. All of the instruments on the track were played by Ennis, which makes the song all the more impressive. The piano ballad showcases Ennis’ knack for a melody while allowing his soulful voice to shine. It’s a great introduction to his music and gives you a good idea of what he’s all about as an artist.

Mabelle opens with the uptempo Play It Cool, which takes a little inspiration from modern country artists such as Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett. The Country rhythms are mixed with R&B beats making it the perfect sound for contemporary Country radio. It definitely has the makings of a huge hit.

Elsewhere on the EP current UK single Fast Girl marries minimal instrumentation with Ennis’ distinctive vocal before launching into a laidback, breezy chorus. Closing track Look At You features hand-claps and a midtempo feel, once again mixing R&B influences with Ennis’ twist on Country.

Think & Drive is the big ballad on the EP and it sees Ennis accompanied by piano. For my money he’s a very able and capable ballad singer and those moments are when he shines the brightest. The more stripped-back production gives his vocal more room to breathe and the sound resonates stronger.

Mabelle is a solid introduction to Ennis. It showcases what he’s capable off and shows a range of his abilities. At times the songs are reminiscent of other artists, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it does mean that Ennis doesn’t always establish his own unique sound. I’m sure that’s something that will come with time and there’s certainly plenty here to enjoy.

[brid video=”165913″ player=”531″ title=”Seth Ennis Woke Up in Nashville”]

 

Set list: 1. Play It Cool 2. Think & Drive 3. Fast Girl 4. Woke Up in Nashville 5. Look at You Record label: Sony Music Release date: 3rd March 2017

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of Piñata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

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