EROTIC ELK

Erotic Elk is a Swedish synthpop band that just released its new album called 'III'. It took three years to make this album, so maybe this is the reason why they named it this way. Let's say that they have a strange way to pick names, even the bands name sounds 'special'. Tomas Gustafson and Frederik Sigeback create a nice electropop atmosphere, they made an album that certainly will be enjoyed by classic synth and future pop lovers.

Most tracks on this album are well made pop tunes with beautiful bass tones accompanied by well-crafted melodies and melodic vocals. Highlight is the 1991 cover of Chris Isaaks monsterhit 'Wicked Games', a really beautiful but also different version, with an atmospheric synth pop touch. Erotic Elk's sound material consist mostly of analog synths, supplemented by carefully placed guitar samples.

This album is mastered by Claus Larsen of Laether Strip, so to be honest I expected a more EBM or harder electronic album, but the opposite is the case, 'III' is a modern oriented synthpop album without spectacular beats or dancefloor killers. But we will keep an eye on this band. Tthese guys have put some really brilliant melodies into their songs, together with the strong production and the extensive bonus material on this CD, this is a nice package for all Swedish synthpop lovers

Tracklist 01. Intro (01:24) 02. What You Give is What You Get (03:35) 03. Surrender (04:40) 04. Other Side of love (03:17) 05. Dark Winter (03:35) 06. Wicked Game (04:03) 07. Higher (04:41) 08. Would (05:12) 09. Distorted (04:04) 10. Burning Down Your House (Refurbished and polished version) (04:56) 11. Seal the Moment (04:34) 12. With You (00:56) 13. Without You (04:08) 14. Never Stay the Same (05:48) 15. Dark Winter (Acoustic version) (03:21) ** 16. Surrender (Remixed by Denormal) (04:57) ** 17. Other Side of Love (Remixed by Vaylon) (03:46) ** 18. Higher (Remixed by Vogon Poetry) (05:30) ** 19. My My Hey Hey (Extended version) (04:32) **

Peter HESELMANS
29/04/2015