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Elliot Jack
Stay Away From Lonely Places
©2007
Their myspace page reads, "Elliot Jack are a four piece who mix together loops, samples, guitars and occasional vocals
to make a lovely melancholic warming sound. Their songs are beautiful enough to warm the heart of a cadaver." Listening
multiple times to this album, I found myself daydreaming of being in a field playing Frisbee with my dog. I do not own a dog,
but the carefree nature of the music made me wish I had one.
The band is from Birmingham, UK with influences ranging from Sigur Ros, Mogwai, and Boards Of Canada with a certain pre-disposition
for music played in minor keys. There is a mellower vibe to Elliot Jack that plays to an almost surreal dreamlike state. They
use electronic loops in helping to lay the foundation for this, sometimes atmospheric, sometimes nearly dream-hop, but with
soft guitar effects as a bed for soft vocals.
"Owls" mixes a children's voice loop with dream pop. "The Person We Love (Is 72.8% Water)" gets a
nod if for nothing else the title. The song has a catchy melody and layered electronic rhythm. Other standout tracks include
"Got To Live This Down", "Elliot Jack Vs Stanton Delaplane", and "Themes Of Failure". There
are instrumentals sprinkled throughout that are hypnotically weird, in a good way. The packaging needs to be mentioned as
they use opaque parchment paper as the insert with some very unique artwork. Nicely done!
If you are looking to expand into dream-loop music that can bring you through the grayish doldrums of life, then check
out this UK band.
9 of 10 clicks
thecannyshark
December 2007
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