Multinational blues-rock collective, the Ellis Mano Band, has announced their new album Morph, due to arrive on February 21, via SPV Recordings. In the same move, the band released their new single, “Stray.” It comes with a brand new lyric video, created in cooperation with VETO, the association of European animal welfare organizations. The non-profit limited company provided the film material used for the music clip. Check it out below.
Pre-order here: https://ellismanoband.lnk.to/morph
“Stray” is a song that speaks deeply from the heart – inspired by all the dogs that remain unwaveringly loyal despite disappointment and pain,” says the band. “Chris Ellis, our singer, who has adopted street dogs himself, wanted to tell the story of an animal that continually seeks love but is left alone time and again. “Stray” shows what true, unconditional loyalty means and reminds us that everyone deserves a home. It’s a musical call to give these strays a second chance.”
On Morph they comment: “It is more than just an album for us – it’s our next big step, our musical diploma. We are excited to share these new sonic worlds with our fans, both on record and live!”
With songs like the epic “Countdown To Nothing” and the powerful anthem “For All I Care”, the band invites their listeners to join in on an intense journey through the evolution of our sound. Morph represents change and growth – a transformation reflected in every track. Energized riffs meet unexpected, quiet moments, creating a listening experience full of tension and depth. The artwork by Canadian album design legend Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi) perfectly captures this essence and symbolizes the spirit of Morph.
With several top 2 rankings in the Swiss album charts and excellent reactions from critics, the Ellis Mano Band continues on its path and will keep on delivering music at its best – timeless and 100% handmade.
Morph tracklisting:
01 Virtually Love
02 Count Me In
03 20 Years
04 For All I Care
05 Scars
06 Madness And Tears
07 Ballroom
08 Stray
09 Countdown To Nothing
10 State Of Grace
11 The Fight For Peace (Live)
The first public airing of Ellis Mano Band’s fourth album Morph was performed during their support slot to rock legends Deep Purple, on their German tour in July 2024. The record features eleven tracks, including “For All I Care”, which was one of the highlights in their set supporting the British rock legends. Powerful and characterised by tempo changes, it is a contemporary, modernised homage to the essence of classic rock from the late 1960s to the end of the 1970s. A quiet acoustic interlude is thrown in for good measure. A definite nod to the unforgotten old school. Compositional sophistication, variety and incredible playing are the hallmarks of the Anglo-American sound of the Ellis Mano Band. So it was only logical to engage a global great for the cover art. The cartridge with the broken tip and flowers growing in its case was realised by Canadian album design legend Hugh Syme (Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, Kiss, Rush and many more). The music is just as impressive. It shows how the Ellis Mano Band continues its development in line with the album title.
Legendary artwork designer Hugh Syme comments on Ellis Mano Band’s Morph:
“I have always been motivated and inspired to bring a compelling, and (usually) improbable visual solution to those album covers I create for bands whose music, composition, performance and production I truly respect. Such is the case with the Ellis Mano Band. Thank you to Thomas Hammerl for bringing us together! All the best with the launch of the new Morph album project.”
Morph tour 2025
February:
28 AT-Wien, Reigen
March:
01 HU-Budapest, Analog Music Hall
02 AT-Frauental an der Laßnitz,Bluegarage
03 AT-Salzburg, Rockhouse
06 CH-Seewen, Gaswerk
14 CH-Langenthal, Old Capitol
April:
04 CH-Seon, Konservi
11 CH-Bern, Bierhübeli
12 CH-Basel, Atlantis
27 DE-Augsburg, Spectrum
28 DE-Kassel, Theaterstübchen
29 DE-Wetzlar, Franzis
30 DE-Wuppertal, Live Club Barmen
May:
01 BE-Verviers, Spirit Of 66
02 DE-Aschaffenburg, Colos-Saal
04 CH-Dübendorf, Love Ride 2025
08 DE-Bonn, Harmonie
10 NL-Weert, De Bosuil
12 DE-Bremen, Meisenfrei
13 DE-Hamburg, Klangbar
14 DE-Berlin, Hafenbar Tegel
17 DE-Habach, Village
July:
19 DE-Rheine, 4. European Bluesfestival
30 CH-Schaffhausen, Stars In Town
August:
01 DE-Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Gut Sandbeck Open Air tbc
02 DE-Balve, German Kultrock Festival
14-16 DE-Feriendorf Auenland, Woodstock Forever Festival
22 RO-Dărmănești, Blues In The Garden
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