Born in Melbourne, John '“JP” Ellis has worked extensively in musical theatre all over the world, including playing Piangi in the West End version of The Phantom of the Opera and Gus-Growltiger, Bustopher Jones and later Old Deuteronomy in the CATS World Tour.

Ellis now presents us with his debut album Kopfkino, which translated means “head cinema”; similar to day dreaming but much more intense and film like, echoing how he was feeling in the early days of lockdown.

The album itself covers a multitude of genres, from Pop-Opera to Scandic-Nordic Noir, but despite the eclectic mix of songs on the album, it provides to be mellow and easy-listening. 

Ellis’ voice suits the songs he has chosen to a tee and the ability to perform across a range of genres with such success is impressive. He opens the album with ‘Brave’, the first Josh Groban cover on the album. The song is beautifully sung and is an excellent opening to the album. This is bookended by ‘Bigger Than Us’, another Groban hit. 

The stand-out tracks on the album are ‘Circles’ and ‘Euphoria’. ‘Circles’ is dramatic and  allows Ellis’ the opportunity to showcase the different qualities in his voice and the high notes that he manages to sustain. 

‘Euphoria’ is a cover of the 2012 Eurovision hit by Loreen, and is exactly what is needed for half way through the easy listening album. It is delivered at a slower tempo than the original hit but is still an uplifting central point. It is also performed as a duet with the incredible Nadia Boule, and the blend of their voices together is stunning.

Kopfkino is definitely worth a listen. Ellis’ voice is incredible and he has been able to show that off to its full ability by selecting perfect song choices.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Emma Littler

Kopfkino is available to download now here.