Sonic Youth Gossip - View Single Post - Elf Power

atari 2600 · 06.18.2006, 01:53 PM

Haunted by Three Ghosts, May 19, 2006
Reviewer:Wendell Chancellor (Utah) - See all my reviews

Three ghosts haunt Elf Power's "Back to the Web"

The first is the ghost of sixties exotic psychedelia. It conjures up that time when the gods inspired heroic mortals to make epic journeys to the east. These heroes brought back with them unfamiliar tunings, new instruments, and complex polyrhythms and time signatures. George led the Beatles to India ("Within You and Without You"). Led Zeppelin traveled to Morocco ("Immigrant Song," "Tangerine"). The Rolling Stones recorded "Paint It Black." They inspired everyone from Donovan to the Hollies. This ghost gives "Back to the Web" its edge.

The second is ghost of Pet Sounds Brian Wilson--sweetness and sonic experimentation.

Over it all hovers the ghost of Elephant 6--the now-dead collective that made music like it was 1969 (only way, way cooler). Their music is easily categorized as lo-fi, Brian Wilson, experimental, psychedelic, sixties, ambient, folk, noise, singing-saw pop. If you don't know what I mean, pick up "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" by Neutral Milk Hotel or "Black Foliage" by the Olivia Tremor Control.

Now that E6 is dead, who carries the Elephant 6 banner? After listening to "Back to the Web", I believe that Elf Power is the true heir. First, the line-up has enough first-tier E6ers to secure its bloodline. Second, with this CD, Elf Power has the depth, complexity, generosity, and experimentation that characterized the best of the Elephant 6 classics. This ain't no Bird-with-the-Candy-Bar-Head Elf Power (I loved that Elf Power too); this is a deeper, more durable Elf Power--and band with more to say.

Those three ghosts (exotic sixties psychedelia, Pet Sounds, and Elephant 6) explain most of the success of "Back to the Web," but not all of it. Another key element is that Elf Power is (and always has been) a drums and percussion-driven band. (This distinguishes them from the rest of E6.) When you buy "Back to the Web," listen to the drums. They are mixed to the front of most tracks, creating a driving foundation for whatever is laid in on top.

Elephant 6 is dead. Long live Elf Power.

06.18.2006, 01:53 PM	#5
atari 2600 invito al cielo Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 8,213	Haunted by Three Ghosts, May 19, 2006 Reviewer:Wendell Chancellor (Utah) - See all my reviews Three ghosts haunt Elf Power's "Back to the Web" The first is the ghost of sixties exotic psychedelia. It conjures up that time when the gods inspired heroic mortals to make epic journeys to the east. These heroes brought back with them unfamiliar tunings, new instruments, and complex polyrhythms and time signatures. George led the Beatles to India ("Within You and Without You"). Led Zeppelin traveled to Morocco ("Immigrant Song," "Tangerine"). The Rolling Stones recorded "Paint It Black." They inspired everyone from Donovan to the Hollies. This ghost gives "Back to the Web" its edge. The second is ghost of Pet Sounds Brian Wilson--sweetness and sonic experimentation. Over it all hovers the ghost of Elephant 6--the now-dead collective that made music like it was 1969 (only way, way cooler). Their music is easily categorized as lo-fi, Brian Wilson, experimental, psychedelic, sixties, ambient, folk, noise, singing-saw pop. If you don't know what I mean, pick up "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" by Neutral Milk Hotel or "Black Foliage" by the Olivia Tremor Control. Now that E6 is dead, who carries the Elephant 6 banner? After listening to "Back to the Web", I believe that Elf Power is the true heir. First, the line-up has enough first-tier E6ers to secure its bloodline. Second, with this CD, Elf Power has the depth, complexity, generosity, and experimentation that characterized the best of the Elephant 6 classics. This ain't no Bird-with-the-Candy-Bar-Head Elf Power (I loved that Elf Power too); this is a deeper, more durable Elf Power--and band with more to say. Those three ghosts (exotic sixties psychedelia, Pet Sounds, and Elephant 6) explain most of the success of "Back to the Web," but not all of it. Another key element is that Elf Power is (and always has been) a drums and percussion-driven band. (This distinguishes them from the rest of E6.) When you buy "Back to the Web," listen to the drums. They are mixed to the front of most tracks, creating a driving foundation for whatever is laid in on top. Elephant 6 is dead. Long live Elf Power.
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