With an EP and a number of successful singles and collaborations up his sleeve, Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Elijah Mann returns with his new single “Dust Storm Darlin’”. It’s Mann’s fourth collaboration with renowned producer Adam Tilzer, an emotional ballad about the grief and goodbyes-as he described it- influenced by the story of The Mars Opportunity Rover and Mann saying goodbye to his grandmother.
The first thing that hit me once “Dust Storm Darlin’” started is how clear and haunting Elijah Mann’s voice was! On the 2nd listen I was impressed by the production and arrangements, there are a number of instruments introduced in “Dust Storm Darling” each one in its perfect place all serving the song’s progression and beautiful flow. It starts with an acoustic guitar arpeggio that sets its dreamy mood; slowly electric guitar followed by the cello slips in smoothly preparing for a beautifully orchestrated chorus. With beautiful vocal harmonies and heavy chords, the sound gets bigger and more intense as we flow through the 2nd verse and chorus until we reach a bluesy guitar solo followed by some epic heavy cellos before smoothly turning back into the soothing mood “Dust Storm Darlin’” started with. All that I’ve been mentioning is led by Elijah Mann’s fluid vocal melody and emotionally expressive voice that he uses perfectly to serve the mood and music.
“Dust Storm Darlin” is a beautiful ballad, it has a dynamic structure that’ll keep you hooked from the beginning till its end. Elijah Mann’s vocals will make you listen well to each word he is saying. Would like to check out some of his upbeat stuff to see how he’s handling those. Cheers!