Electrelane - The Power Out
(Too Pure)
Electrelane presents a particular difficulty because it would be easy to toss off a few comparisons which would accurately describe their sound, but would fail to truly do justice. One can hear early Switched-On era Stereolab in the hazy tones, organs and vocals (which are also in French and English, although occasionally Spanish). One can hear Joy Division in the tense post-punk guitars. So if you like early Stereolab and Joy Division, you should check this out, but be mindful, as you will get something more.
The album moves from the fairly conventional fuzzed out "Gone Under Sea" and tight and jerky "On Parade", to an odd choral piece "The Valleys", with samba rhythms and dense, layered vocals. This third song is a fantastic piece, coming out of nowhere, and unsettling any expectations one may have formed. It makes every song thereafter seem like a surprise: the thundering drums and slashing guitars of "Take the Bit Between Your Teeth", the delicate chime and drone, and ultimate fever pitch, of "Oh Somba!", and the insistent Kraut-rock of "Love Builds Up".
Maybe Electrelane is your band. I mean, you love all of this stuff. Maybe this is the record that you would make if you could. Chances are, though, that its not. Because you are not this good. Sorry.
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