A 10 track album that tells the story of a songwriter with a clear identity and strengths, that occasionally veers off course, but always delivers on raw vocal talent, and memorable lyrics. This is what you can expect from West-End star and BBC Let It Shine semi-finalist, but the detail in his self-titled debut reveals even more.
Vocally this album is a powerhouse of raw rock tones, subtle emotion, and a delivery that adapts well to the more pop and country inspired numbers. Alexis has a voice born to deliver a story and capture the attention of an audience, in a genuine and accessible way.
The storytelling this vocal delivers is personal and relatable, slipping with ease through subjects such as mental health, parenthood, grief, and regret - but the lyrics are reflective, at times very uplifting, and the difficult subjects tackled with just the right level of emotion.
The Highlights
Sweet Angel was the song that launched the crowd funding campaign for this album, and it's always resonated with me. It won me over early on, with it's soaring, atmospheric melodies. You can read my review here but my other favourites include:
FACE THE CROWD - What captured my attention was how well this song gathered pace, and built up into an anthemic number that I just want to be singing back to Alexis at a gig. Fast becoming a favourite on the album.
RULE THE WORLD - One of the duets on featuring West-End star Danielle Steers. I wasn't sure how they would sound together on record, when I first heard this was happening, but I needn't have worried. The production is on point, the combination of soul and rock vocals work really well together, and the subtle backing vocals/harmonies really add to the beauty of the track.
SAVE ME - "Find it hard to breathe, find it hard to see" - this song is raw emotion, personal experience, and a beautiful, smooth, and emotive 'moment' on the album. Mental health is an issue that is very close to me, so this song, with it's acoustic base, and slight country leaning was at first quite difficult to hear, but soon became a relatable gift. Be prepared, it's incredibly moving.
NO ORDINARY GIRL - A good example of all the pieces of the jigsaw fitting together in terms of simple but effective backing and lead vocal performances, and instrumentation. Another track that people will respond to live, and one I was soon singing along to.
The Added Sparkle
I decided not to do a track by track with this review, as it would probably end up as an essay and there were other things I wanted to say, but I do want to give credit to Jon Wright for his production, which has really bought the best out of Alexis' songs. It's first class work, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for other work he produces in the future.
Also credit to Liv Austin for duetting on 'HOME', a chilled out softer ballad, that I also enjoyed. If you enjoy country rock then you'll love this. Ideal for a chilled out live lounge setting, with a sentiment everyone can relate to.
Room To Grow
It was clear after a first listen that Alexis is displaying some clear strengths and potential, lyrically, and with song style and performance. There is an identity forming, although for me it seemed to veer a little off course, partly with track selection, as Hold You Close and Don't Let It Go seemed like they'd be more at home on a different type of album.
I think there is room to grow and improve with some of the backing vocals and ad libs as well. The La La La's on 'Don't Let It Go' were a bit repetitive, and while the Bon Jovi-esque 'Road To Redemption', was overall a strong song, the vocal lines "How Long, How Long, How Will You Ride" didn't quite work.
The Journey
Alexis the debut album is available to download from October 26th. Please do check out all the social links below and if you like what you hear, say hello.
Alexis:
Danielle Steers
Liv Austin
Jon Wright
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