ALBUM REVIEW: Trust Fund – Has It Been A While?

Tapete Records

Released: 01.11.24

Has It Been A While? is Ellis Jones’ first album in six years, and the first after a punctuation mark in his creative practice which saw him pursue a career in academia in Norway and Canada. It also marks something of a departure from the fuzzy indie rock of his formative years: the record is striking in the singularity of its aesthetic,

Jones accompanied by acoustic guitar and, occasionally, strings. Nick Drake is an obvious reference point, but Ellis’ hypermelodic songwriting and excellent, succinct guitar playing also recalls psych-flecked 60s pop like Arthur Lee’s Love. The lovelorn, bittersweet atmospheres of early Belle and Sebastian make an appearance, New University is a lament to promises never delivered on, Curtis is a beautifully nostalgic tribute to a childhood friend. Jones’ nuanced and melodic songwriting has always set him apart from his peers, but under the microscope here, his talents are exemplified. A quiet, gorgeous triumph.