Erotic Elk - Solitary

There are very rare instances where I, as a reviewer, feel it just to thank the artist for making a release, and if anything I've heard in 2011 so far from the hilariously quirky named 'Erotic Elk' is an example, this is one of those times.

Previous album "Design with Circuitry" was very timid in its efforts, and although It stood out a little more than its peers, I didn't think anything of it. Then, something seriously amazing happened; the fantastic, textbook track 'Monoton' came out as a single, as did the breathtaking 'Rest in Pieces', and before I even realised it, I had my two favourite Synthpop songs of the year in front of me.

'Solitary' is expected to be a huge, huge stepping stone in the future of Erotic Elk, and what do you know? The album begins with Monoton which is absolutely divine, with great lyrics, superb synth, and Tomas' vocals are very, very special indeed. 'Another Angel' immediately made me smile, and any preconceptions I had about the two singles being the stand out songs have been erased.

The Erotic Elk formula is something special - the album is produced to the HIGHEST degree, the synth work is as catchy as Depeche Mode, Tomas' voice is so distinctive, and there's a darker undertone that is created by the union of voice and instrument that gives the sound a very brooding, very attractive sound indeed - this is best noted on 'Rest in Pieces'; heavily remastered from the Single version, and significantly different, yet very very ominous and progressive indeed.

The strength of the opening triad could almost cause the downfall of the album, but Tomas, Fredrik and P-O have a rare distinction that can only really be found in the closest of bands. I'm almost considering comparing the threesome to Covenant, who chose their name because of the bond that the group have together; for all extents and purposes this is an act that not only knows what they're doing, they also feel very comfortable in displaying it. To call this Synthpop at its most majestic doesn't feel right - however, I can assure you that anyone who listens to the first tracks on here will immediately buy it; likely with shaky hands and drooling anticipation.

Every track on here a moment that makes you think 'wow', and a final special mention goes to Miss FD, who not only has a stellar voice by herself but also manages to turn 'Not a Tragedy' into one of the most emotional and poignant songs in recent memory.

Everything on this cd is superb, and tracks range from divine to inspired. Erotic Elk may be a bandname you laugh at, but this is goosebump raising work.

Thank you. Sep 13 2011