‘Ethel’s Odyssey’ offers a bold fusion of beats and samples

Drawing on the likes of Public Service Broadcasting, DJ Shadow, Lemon Jelly and White Album-era Beatles, Ethel’s Odyssey is a new EP from multi-instrumentalist Ian Hand from County Louth.

Originally released on a 7-inch transparent lathe-cut vinyl – of which a very limited run was produced to raise funds for Tredagh Lodge, Drogheda’s Alzheimer’s Day Centre – Hand has since released Ethel’s Odyssey on streaming platforms, including Bandcamp and Spotify.

Entirely performed, recorded and mixed by Hand (who has featured in a myriad of bands over the past 20 years, including indie outfit The Elephant Room), the EP was put together in stages over a multi-year period, with the earliest segment dating back to 2020, and the newest to last year.

A variety of audio clips, ranging from 1950s infomercials to snippets from documentaries, permeate the tracks, creating a twisted, melodic maelstrom.

The standout for us is the brooding Something Ain’t Right, the first track on the EP, although we also have a sweet spot for closing track Festive, reportedly inspired by Paul McCartney’s Wonderful Christmastime.

Ethel’s Odyssey can be purchased here.

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