Two time Grammy nominee Elsten Torres recently debuted his latest album, Waiting For Clouds, an all English album with a riveting group of songs that showcases the genius of one of the best singer-songwriters of our time.
Many songwriters’ source of inspiration comes from their darkest hours. For The Who’s Pete Townshend, one of those times came when after a night of heavy drinking he fell asleep in a doorway only to be awakened by a policeman who after recognizing him suggested he go home instead of arresting him. That moment inspired the classic “Who are you”. Neil Young wrote “The Needle and The Damage Done” after seeing how heroin affected his guitarist and one of his roadies.
For Elsten Torres, it was the breakup of his 13-year marriage that inspired some of the most heartfelt songs he’s ever written. Single-handedly, Waiting For Clouds can be for English rock what Enrique Bunbury’s Las Consecuencias is for Spanish rock: a mature insight into one of the most stellar singers of current time.
On this personal album, hints of Paul Simon, the Beatles, Damien Rice, David Grey, Cat Stevens, and Elvis Costello accentuate the longing conveyed in the lyrics. Recorded and produced by Brendan Buckley, Elsten’s former Fulano De Tal band mate and current drummer for Shakira, Waiting For Clouds was also worked by Sebastian Kris and holds a special collaboration with Gaby Moreno who lent her haunting voice to the album’s first single, “Closer Tonight”.
On Waiting For Clouds, Elsten not only allows us to look into his deepest yearnings, but also allows us to hear some of his most personal musical influences as well. I welcome you to enjoy it. The album is now available on Amazon and iTunes.
