Elevator - Darkness --> Light
(Bluefox)
Somewhat of a concept album which takes its title literally, the debut offering from this Canadian band is actually two mints in one: Side A (the "Darkness" side) is all gothic heavy metal posturing with tracks that sound like Hawkwind ("You're A Deep Dark Hole"), speed metal ("Black"), and Black Sabbath ("Stranded Traveler.") Leader Rick White (Eric's Trip) delivers everything in slow motion, basso profundo gothic vocals, sort of like Fields of the Nephalim or something off the old Cleopatra Gothic box.
Side B (the "Light" side) pulls a 360 in a desperate attempt to get "High," which is overburdened is all trappings (chimes, pedestrian lyrics of the "I'm so high in the sky/Where's the floor, etc." variety) with no substance. "The Endless Winter," the album's best track, improves the proceedings with its Byrds-like psychedelic pop guitar lines and "Been a Long Time" is a fluffy confection with a light, jazzy vibe that ultimately reminds of St. Etienne-meets-Belle & Sebastian.
Rick's wife Tara takes vocal honors for "Full Moon Song," and her pleasant, haunting Annie Haslam-inspired soprano is perfectly suited for the subject matter. So having heard both sides of Rick's muse, I suggest he drop the heavy metal, doom and gloom posturing and stick to the poppy side of life on future recordings.
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