Colour Me In by Ella Hayes: Review

by Gabe Finch October 12, 2022

October 12, 2022

Ella’s debut EP, “Colour Me In,” throws a truthful light on the years of her path of addiction, recovery, and coming out the better end of the tunnel. The EP celebrates a life filled with healing and newly found sobriety. It’s a gripping 6-piece collection, blending the sounds of acoustic and rock-pop, from the exquisite vocals to the overall riveting instrumentation.

The opening song “White Lines” features a bluesy riff and Ella’s beautiful vocals immediately bring Amy Winehouse to my mind. The following song plays a high-powered tune, showcasing her vocal range and expressive tone. “Enough’s Enough” has a decidedly more laid-back vibe, with soft vocal elements that contrast the evocative instrumental to create an overall highly fascinating piece of music.

The groovy music in “Keep Coming Back” really carries over that almost folk sort of vibe. With its somewhat more rock-infused atmosphere and gritty guitar strumming paired against the gravelly vocal qualities of “Dance With The Devil,” it’s a stand-alone piece. The EP concludes on a note of optimism with the song “Recovery.” It’s an inspiring track, thanks to its cheery sound and affirming lyrics vocalizing that addiction doesn’t have to be the ultimate penalty.

The way that Ella Hayes builds stories upon one another to form such a cohesive and gripping EP, is truly impressive. No matter the darkness and no matter how deep into the abyss you might have fallen, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.