Successful sophomore releases are crucial events for musicians, and Eisley has stepped into a haze of tiresome songwriting.
The DuPree family rock band from Tyler, Texas, consisting of four siblings and one cousin, showcased great potential earlier in its career. A handful of EPs (notably Laughing City and Marvelous Things) held gentle harmonies by guitarist Sherri and keyboardist Stacy that welcomed orchestrated arrangements.
But lyrical mystique has completely evaporated from the quintet’s songwriting. Visual elements of Alice in Wonderland-esque innocence have been replaced by nothing more than colorless clichés about life.
Combinations picks up where 2005 full-length debut Room Noises left off: on the edge of success. That debut consisted of new songs and rerecorded tracks from its aforementioned EPs, suggesting that the band was already struggling to write challenging new material.
These ten tracks, consisting of an ignored rhythm section, tacky riffs, and bland lyrics, allow the DuPrees to tarnish their namesake. Placing noteworthy tracks between rehashed themes causes a blur of lackluster sound. “Invasion,” “Taking Control,” “Go Away,” and “If You’re Wondering” showcase the band’s experimental side but do not push the nostalgic envelope too far.