London-based trio Ebbb steps onto the scene with their debut album, Shallow Hits, seamlessly blending synth-pop, modern electronics, danceable rhythms, and a knack for captivating melodies. While the title might evoke a sense of superficiality, beneath the surface Ebbb’s music is considerably more complex, layered, and ambitious.
Between Pop, Electronics, and Experimentation
Ebbb consists of producer Lev Ceylan, singer Will Rowland, and drummer Scott MacDonald. Following a series of successful singles and EPs, they arrive with an 11-track debut that captures a band fascinated by contrasts. On one hand, they deliver immediate melodies and catchy hooks; on the other, they offer a wealth of intricate micro-details hidden within synth textures, polyrhythms, and layered vocals.
Critics hear echoes of a wide range of influences in their sound—from classic synth-pop and Beach Boys-style vocal harmonies to Animal Collective’s neo-psychedelia and the rave energy of Klaxons. However, Ebbb mix these ingredients into their own distinct, hard-to-categorize cocktail.
The opening track, “Come Alive,” clearly signals that Shallow Hits will be no ordinary collection of indie-pop tunes. Steel-drum-like electronic sounds, a driving beat, and Rowland’s signature tenor come together in a song that feels carefree and summer-ready, yet holds enough unusual twists to keep the listener fully engaged. In a similarly fresh and rhythmically playful spirit, tracks like “Home Ground,” “Now You Know,” and “Side On”—one of the album’s standout highlights—keep the momentum going.
Music That Holds More Than Meets the First Listen
The most intriguing aspect of Shallow Hits is the constant tension between accessibility and experimentation. Ebbb don’t build complex structures just for the sake of complexity; each song has a solid melodic core surrounded by organic drums, basslines, synths, and vocal harmonies in constant motion.
Will Rowland’s lyrics add a crucial layer to the record. On tracks like “Remedy” and “I’m Not Enough,” he candidly addresses anxiety, low self-esteem, and complicated personal relationships. Because of this, a personal and vulnerable core emerges beneath the glossy, polished surface.
“There is a power in externalising your internal monologue.”
Furthermore, the band admits that their creative process is exceptionally fast, with new ideas constantly overtaking previous ones. “We feel like we’ve outdone ourselves by writing something new,” Rowland explains. This is precisely why Shallow Hits feels like an authentic snapshot of a group that is still evolving and refuses to be boxed into a single genre.
Ebbb’s debut is not a finished monument to perfection; rather, it is proof of a band in dynamic motion. It is this very creative restlessness that makes Shallow Hits such a captivating listen. Beneath its accessible, sunlit facade lies a rich world of rhythmic detail and personal expression—a perfect candidate for our Album of the Week.
NMR (photo: press)
