EEF or Early Ettringite Formation, are an unconventional band that bring together the genres of rock, funk, soul and fusion.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Beatrice Perticaroli
The Italian band are appearing on our blog for the first time through their ponderous new album what eef? A play on the phrase ‘what if?’, it invite the listener to contemplate the paths not yet travelled across its ten tracks.
Since their debut album Horro Vacui landed in 2020, EEF have swapped frontmen, with Edoardo Gili now leading the line-up that also includes Mattia Leoni on drums, Giovanni Golaschi on bass, Umberto Ferretti on guitar, and Leonardo Rosselli on saxophone. He brings a touch of soul with his vocals, right from the lively and epic album opener Rising Up.
It’s followed by the simmering, urban jazz of Downtown and the funky rock of That’s My Girl. Something for You rounds off the album’s early listening with a soulful and romantic acoustic moment and the album’s eclectic nature becomes beyond question.
From there the varied vibrance doesn’t let up. Lack of Reason is an expansive alternative rock number that shreds. Reloaded Mind is hauntingly atmospheric. What I Should Say is pleading funk while In Vino Veritas brings with it elements of prog. Nothing Compared gives us sultry blues with plenty of wah-wah.
The album is closed by Faded Memory, a defiant and anthemic track that rounds things off in a big way. A severe and smouldering verse gives way to a passionate, soaring chorus. In many ways, EEF save the best for last with it.
Though I’ve made much of the genre variety on show across What eef?, perhaps more important is its combination of relatable storytelling and huge amount of fun. It’s an album that will rouse you and there are moments where you’ll just want to let loose. Put simply, this album has everything.
What eef? was produced by EEF and engineered by Nicola Monti and Alessio Rutili. The mix and mastering was done by Andrea Bianchini. It was recorded at Astronave Studio Recording by Matteo Moretti in Recanati, Italy.
The album is out now via CD Baby and you can check it out below.
