After releasing his debut, the “Illustrator EP,” just months ago, Chris Urriola is back with another offering, the “Elemental EP” — out now. It seems that once the floodgates opened for Urriola, who has long played bass with the Queens, New York rock band Hollis Brown, they were impossible to close.
“Songwriting has always been a way to create a larger world for myself,” Urriola said.
Despite major band shake-ups over the course of the recording of the “Elemental EP,” Urriola never wavered in his determination to get his songs out into the world. The “Elemental EP” features four different drummers, a testament to Urriola’s life as a bassist and the timeless connection of rhythm sectionals. The act of recording for Urriola provided a sanctuary within, as lyric-writing allowed for a moment of expression and levity.
The collection of five songs detail glimpses into ideas of companionship and the difficulties of balancing the universal requirement of service and personal interests. The emotion is palpable on this album as Urriola finds the true meaning of solo artistry in this dynamic period of his life. Band shake-ups, existential responsibility and the journey of “building the band” create an oscillating yet peaceful atmosphere within the rock-scape presented in the “Elemental EP.”
Sonically, this EP showcases Urriola’s roots in rock ‘n’ roll while capturing psychedelic and synth-pop influences that have shaped the artistry of this burgeoning solo performer. While sticking to guitar through the majority of the record, the lead single, “Hale,” provides an opportunity for Urriola to add his signature bass sound to the mix.
Following the “Illustrator EP” with a new offering just four months later stemmed from Urriola constantly asking himself, “What’s next?” a question he continues to ponder.
“The hunger to release these personal expressions are more encapsulating each day,” he said. “The goal is to realize the song and enjoy the process.”
Born in Queens, Urriola, at the age of 5, would join his father in riding the subway to Flushing’s Main Street to eat shish kabob. With sights, sounds and smells abound, he found this multiculturalism as we know today to be the impetus for his lifelong search for the sounds of the world, including his own.
As he built his career playing bass in bands such as Hollis Brown, Germans (Julia Kwamya) and The Bones of JR Jones, his dedication materialized in lauded performances around the world. So, when it was time to step into the solo role, he found it came naturally with the experience he has developed through the years.
Source: Times-standard
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