West Virginia/North Carolina songwriter, Jeff Ellis is preparing to release his new album, Vacancy Hearts on August 4th. Surviving the Golden Age is excited to premiere the full record stream.
“Vacancy Hearts is a collection of stories and sounds shaped by my own observations and inspirations from living and working in southern West Virginia during the opioid epidemic,” said Ellis. That description may make the album sound dark but Ellis is quick to note “the characters within are weathered and worn, but also tenacious and resilient, and I suspect, relatable to anyone who’s spent time living in a small, rural community.”
Armed with a voice reminiscent of Tom Petty and some mean guitar picking, Vacancy Hearts shows a man with plenty of range and a knack for storytelling. Album opener “If The Devil Has A Name” has a distinct outlaw country feel while “The Destroyer” has a bluesy-psychedelic feel similar to Tame Impala‘s “Elephant.” The styles continue throughout the album ranging from 90s alternative rock to closing ballad “In God’s Country.” Vacancy Hearts has a little bit of everything but is helmed by Ellis’ honest storytelling and crisp voice.
