Perth-born, Melbourne-based troubadour Tom Ellis returns with “Those Days,” a harmony-drenched single that bridges the golden era of classic rock with contemporary indie sincerity. Release on January 20, 2025, “Those Days” is the lead track from his upcoming Winter 2025 EP, the song is a masterclass in timeless songwriting—a love letter to the vinyl crackle and storytelling prowess of The Beatles, 10cc, and Dire Straits, yet fresh enough to resonate with today’s listeners.
From the first notes, “Those Days” envelops listeners in sunlit nostalgia. Twangy guitars jangle with Laurel Canyon warmth, while Ellis’ crisp, McCartney-esque vocals glide over lush harmonies that evoke CSNY at their peak. The production, honed under the guidance of post-punk legend Phil Calvert (The Birthday Party, Psychedelic Furs)—is meticulous but never sterile, with dynamic percussion and textured layers that reward repeat listens. It’s vintage craftsmanship meets modern clarity, a sound Ellis describes as “stealing from the past to build something new.”
Ellis’ songwriting shines with cinematic specificity, painting vignettes of youth, longing, and the passage of time. The track’s emotional core lies in its balance—nostalgia without cliché, melancholy without self-pity.
“Those Days” isn’t just a single; it’s a time machine with heart. Tom Ellis proves that great songwriting never goes out of style, offering a track that feels immediately familiar yet thrillingly new. If this is the taste of his 2025 EP, we’re in for a masterpiece of melodic storytelling.
