Austin, Texas based singer/songwriter Welsh Avenue (Mark DiLillo) creates alluring, intellectually stimulating, classically infused music which is an amalgamation of elements we will label as experimental alt-electro nu-wave.
His debut EP, The Great Exchange, is now available.
In Mark’s words,
The EP is essentially about a change of mindset, from negative to positive, from unproductive to productive, from mediocre to excellent,” he says. “It is a message that I think my generation needs. It reflects me as an artist because I want my music to have purpose and intention. I know I can always improve myself as a person, and I want listeners to hear it and feel the same, from hopeless to hopeful. It is definitely contains experimental qualities, and I like that because it gives me some options as to where to take my sound from here.”
Germ Theory opens up with a beautiful melody which displays Mark’s years of classical piano training. Referencing great minds like Louis Pasteur in his lyrics, the song is about using choosing whether to let the hard times work to our benefit or simply moving on while forgetting lessons learned. Mark’s powerful vocal performance, catchy hook, head noddin’ rhythm, and contagious synth lines unite for a great opener to a debut EP.
Blue Eyes starts off minimalist but the song soon builds into an upbeat, light, free flowing ditty which is refreshing to the ears. In this track, Mark reflects on a life changing relationship which is equal parts whimsical and romantic.
The title track, The Great Exchange, is about the thought exchange that occurs when we shift our mindsets which also requires a shift of heart. Powerful, moving synths drive us through a contagious and repeatable hook. The sound bed develops into an epic wall of sound which causes an assault on your senses. When the song ends, you’re left looking around wondering what happened before you click play to listen to it again.
The final track, Time To Fly, pulls from an experience Mark had as a vet assistant working through the misfortunes of a pet owner. With a slow but hypnotic rhythm, ambient and haunting synth lines, a feel of mysticism and an entertaining conversation weaving one’s woes with the other’s compassionate responses, Time To Fly is a noteworthy ending to a refreshing and distinctive sounding EP.
The Great Exchange is available on Bandcamp. You can listen below.
