Elephant – Allured / Actors (Memphis Industries)
4/5
By: Josh Daniel
London based duo Elephant perform a syrupy and languid mid-tempo ballad in 'Allured', supposedly a “...pure expression of the confusion of love.” I'm confused by the very idea, but the track is surprisingly pleasant, especially when singer Amelia's voice sounds like she's given up, and the emotion (or lack of) on display is no longer forced. The disparate backing, an echoey, distant piano and pedestrian drumming are beautifully understated, like Beach House on valium, slightly more immature but no less entertaining company.
Double AA side 'Actors' is a speedier affair that is part girl group, part Calexico but on repeat listen you realise its gentle crescendo towards the end is well timed and the song's insistent call suddenly makes sense. It makes you want to take a drive out of the city, to an old familiar haunt where you can reminisce, in your own time. Elephants reach with outstretched arms for a familiar sound, through a thicket of encroaching worries.
Intriguing stuff, and an EP on the way too.
Allured / Actors by elephanttheband
Artists in this article: Elephant
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