NEWS: Multinational blues-rock institution Ellis Mano Band streams new single ‘Virtually Love’

6th February 2025 admin

Multinational blues-rock institution Ellis Mano Band have released their new single / video ‘Virtually Love’, taken from their new album MORPH, set for release on 21st February 2025 via SPV Recordings.

Or watch the video for ‘Virtually Love’ ‘ here: https://youtu.be/gBmZxFZXdO8

Pre-order MORPH here: https://ellismanoband.lnk.to/morph

“‘Virtually Love’ was a ton of fun in the studio – we put a lot of energy into it, and it feels great to finally share the song with you,” say the band. “We’re already excited to hopefully hear it on the radio soon, but we’re even more pumped to perform it live and get the crowd singing along! The song’s groove grabs everyone right away and humorously pokes fun at the idea of digital love – all wrapped up in a catchy, almost nostalgic 80s rock vibe. It’s a song that’s fun, makes you want to dance, and turns the digital madness into the perfect anthem.”

With MORPH, the Ellis Mano Band present a multi-faceted, coherent opus. “It is more than just an album for us – it’s our next big step, our musical diploma,“ say the band. With songs like the epic ‘Countdown To Nothing’ and the powerful anthem ‘For All I Care,’ the band invite 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. “We are excited to share these new sonic worlds with our fans, both on record and live!”

With several top 2 rankings in the Swiss album charts and excellent reactions from critics, the Ellis Mano Band continue on their path and will keep on delivering music at its best – timeless and 100% handmade.

On the single, the band comment: “‘Stray’ is a song that speaks deeply from the heart – inspired by all the dogs that remain unwaveringly loyal despite disappointment and pain. 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.”

The video for the single was created in cooperation with VETO, the association of European animal welfare organisations. The non-profit limited company, which is committed to the welfare of shelter and street animals, provided the Ellis Mano Band with the film material used for the music clip.

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 ist 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 continue their development in line with the album title.

Legendary artwork designer Hugh Syme comments: “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.”