Don’t ask me why, but I got on a Beatles kick this past week and remembered how much I loved their older tracks, steeped in blues and rock & roll influences from the great artists who came before them. And the opening riff on Alex E.T.’s single “Little Wars” made me think of the intro to “Paperback Writer”, which is one of the most memorable and infectious guitar hooks of its era. There’s a reason many have lifted Paul’s intro, and I always appreciate when other artists do it (and, with no offense to Sir McCartney, sometimes improve on the original.)
In the case of “Little Wars”, the guitar gives a brightness to the jangle-pop romp, giving not just The Beatles but Jenny Lewis (and by extension Rilo Kiley), The New Pornographers, and perhaps a touch of a harder-edged Phoebe Bridgers. There’s a little grit layered on top of smooth harmonies and Alex’s melodic, flowing voice, with the guitars and rhythm section driving the tune. Alex defines this song as “a battle cry”, and it certainly gives that vibe, especially towards the end where the instrumental breakdown punches the energy up several notches, choosing to end with a bang.
While “Little Wars” came out on Alex’s Color of Strange last September, the guitarist/singer/songwriter has plenty planned for this year, including working on a new album and a set of live shows with her band, the Alex E.T. Three. They’re one of those groups that succeeds in taking the massive sound from the record and transporting it to the stage, despite their small roster; of course, Alex’s expansive songwriting and musicality form the backbone of the group. She’s dead set on using the environment – studio or stage – to her advantage.
Take a listen to “Little Wars” via the music video below.
Written by Will Sisskind
