Ete’s sun-filled world of “You don’t fit in but you belong” embraces a sense of optimism while offering a truly unique voice. Unlimited in terms of genre, Ete deftly incorporates folk, acoustic, indie rock, even a little EDM into a swirling kaleidoscopic mix. Full of an uncanny sense of life Ete draws from such a variety of artists. His acoustic sets recall the dexterity of John Fahey at his most subdued, Fleet Foxes at their most intimate, with a style that can comfortably be called his own. Tying all these many influences and styles together is his strong, resonant voice. Lyrics are delivered with reassurance while they adopt a poetic beauty to them. Joyous in their embrace of the world the songs radiate such tremendous hope.
Instrumentally vibrant Ete proves to have an uncanny hear for melody. Whether he goes for an intimate approach or something far more expansive, that kindness in his voice never dissipates. By letting his singer-songwriter quality ring true he creates a universe that feels alive. Every track plays off the last, akin to chapters in a greater journey. Lending the whole of the album a sense of grandeur his album at times has a cinematic quality to it. Tremendous positive energy flows through it, as he taps into a rural beauty that recall Chris Weisman at his most meditative.
“For the first time in a long time” starts the album off with such grace. Things are kept to the essentials while he lets the piece unfurl at its own pace. Distorted vocals pour through the stately “I just want to feel loved”. Piano adds to the forcefulness of the message while Ete at times draws from Jon Brion’s easy-going arrangements. Such love flows through the whole of the romantic “You put your arms around me (feat Gussie)”. With a slight hint of a spaghetti western comes “Ghost (feat. J-schultz, C-lee, Sue) where the sound virtually seems to soar up into the sky. By far the highlight of the album comes with the compassionate togetherness of “The battle (everything’s gonna be aight)”.
A bit of shoegaze defines the spacious “seW”. Guitars have a dreamy quality while the whole of the track feels akin to a sunrise, building up ever so patiently. Electronic flourishes intermingle on the nimble rhythms of “One and Only”. Going full throttle into a trance pop perfection is the hyperkinetic rush of the neon-hued “Young Child”. Highly delicate “Stay” sprawls out with such ambition, as Ete taps into a little bit of Vampire Weekend’s approach. Effortlessly closing out the album is “I just want to get through this”.
“You don’t fit in but you belong” displays Ete’s soulful disposition for the whole of the album has a warm, inviting, and gentle aura that draws the listener into a colorful compassion world.
