Xenia Dunford & the Eastern Exile create on the Lonely Streets EP a title that touches upon pop, country, and strong female singer-songwriters. Best I’ve Ever Had has a catchy melody that works its way deep into the psyche of listeners. The energy exhibited here is simply infectious, and this will bring in a bevy of listeners. Don’t Forget Me slows things down as it begins with little more than an acoustic guitar. As Dunford’s vocals kick in, the track is given a solid push. What will strike listeners during Don’t Forget Me is Dunford’s sheer authority in her frontwoman role.
The introduction to Every Now & Again immediately takes on a Beatles-esque mantle, which is further bolstered through the weaving in of a Santana style of guitar. High and Dry allows Dunford an ample opportunity to act both as a vocal narrator and as an additional instrument; the band’s drums and guitar are bolstered by the rising and falling of here vocals. I like The Only One; Dunford’s vocals come forth as utterly unique as the band offers a twinkling backdrop. The eclectic style of Xenia Dunford & the Eastern Exile on the Lonely Streets EP is something that is executed brilliantly; listeners simply will not know what to expect at each track’s onset.
The Lonely Streets EP is one of the few that provides listeners with a full idea of what to expect from a band; I feel that each track here touches upon a decidedly different facet than the last. Make sure to purchase a copy of the EP from the band and see them live.
Top Tracks: Best I’ve Ever Had, Every Now & Again
Rating: 8.3/10
Xenia Dunford & the Eastern Exile – Lonely Streets EP (CD) / 2012 Self / 5 Tracks / http://xeniadunford.bandcamp.com/album/lonely-streets-ep /
John Sargeant, writing on NeuFutur as Sargeant, is the founder and editor-in-chief of NeuFutur Magazine, where he has covered independent music, PC hardware, consumer tech, and gaming culture since 1998. With over 25 years of continuous digital publishing experience, he has written thousands of hands-on game and record reviews, conducted in-depth hardware field testing, and analyzed digital media monetization trends. His work prioritizes first-hand evaluation and long-term product testing.
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