Electrelane!

Posted by Monkey Bones on April 27, 2005 at 08:03:59

In Reply to: New stuff posted by Sordidman on April 19, 2005 at 12:22:35:

Just listening to The Power Out for the who-knows-how-many-times today and even after a year, I'm still amazed at how accomplished this band sounds under the direction of Steve Albini. It's a little hard to describe just exactly what the appeal is, but it's got boatloads of it, whatever it is. One of those albums that doesn't really knock me out with anything in particular, but one that I always seem to be in the mood to hear. They do go through a few styles, but usually retain some of that Velvet Underground rhythm sound like the Feelies. And more recently, Life Without Buildings. Electrelane mixes in some of the sound that I love about Blonde Redhead too. Gives it a little bit of a fractured sound. Some very cool influences. Another thing that really impresses me about it is the mastering. Most of the CDs you buy nowadays, even the indie stuff that doesn't really have a chance at mainstream radio play, is just horribly compressed, with nearly zero dynamic range. Average level almost the same as peak. But this Electrelane disc is great. Just the direct opposite. You really have to crank up the volume, just like in the "old days". Average levels come out in the 50% to 60% range with peaks up above 90% when you analyze it. Lots of dynamic range. Recorded by Steve Albini and mastered at Abbey Road by Steve Rooke, two of the good guys. What a great team. Hats off and kudos to all involved on this one.

So fast forward a year and they have a new bass player and a new album called Axes that will be released on either May 9th or 10th (depending where you live) so thought I'd give them another mention here. Recorded over Christmas with Albini again. Mostly live in the studio. Sounds like it'll be great! Top position on my wishlist. More info at http://www.beggars.com/us/electrelane/. Also nice to see that Music Direct and Acoustic Sounds both have the 2-LP set listed for preorder. At least the audiophile crowd gets it :-)

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - New stuff - Sordidman 12:22:35 04/19/05 (13)

this board moves slower than evolution - Slosh 22:27:55 04/29/05 (0)

Electrelane! - Monkey Bones 08:03:59 04/27/05 (8)

Picked up Electrelane last eve..... - Sordidman 09:07:28 04/29/05 (1)

Re: Picked up Electrelane last eve..... - Monkey Bones 17:06:03 04/29/05 (0)

Love the feelies... or at least used to..... - Sordidman 12:33:38 04/27/05 (5)

Peter Buck deserves some credit - Ex Lion Tamer 05:57:25 04/28/05 (3)

The Good Earth - Sordidman 10:25:48 04/28/05 (2)

Interesting perspective... - Ex Lion Tamer 12:53:54 04/28/05 (1)

Yeah. perhaps I'm being a bit harsh.............. - Sordidman 13:21:21 04/28/05 (0)

Only Life - Monkey Bones 20:02:30 04/27/05 (0)

Decemberists and New Order - JustinPoss 08:50:11 04/26/05 (0)

British Sea Power - Ex Lion Tamer 09:12:21 04/24/05 (0)

Re: New stuff-so hows......... - Awe-d-o-file 16:36:07 04/20/05 (0)

Follow Ups

Electrelane! - Monkey Bones 08:03:59 04/27/05 (8)

Picked up Electrelane last eve..... - Sordidman 09:07:28 04/29/05 (1)

Re: Picked up Electrelane last eve..... - Monkey Bones 17:06:03 04/29/05 (0)

Love the feelies... or at least used to..... - Sordidman 12:33:38 04/27/05 (5)

Peter Buck deserves some credit - Ex Lion Tamer 05:57:25 04/28/05 (3)

The Good Earth - Sordidman 10:25:48 04/28/05 (2)

Interesting perspective... - Ex Lion Tamer 12:53:54 04/28/05 (1)

Yeah. perhaps I'm being a bit harsh.............. - Sordidman 13:21:21 04/28/05 (0)

Only Life - Monkey Bones 20:02:30 04/27/05 (0)

You can not post to an archived thread.