Stay Away From Lonely Places
Artist: Elliot Jack
Label: ©2007
 
Their myspace page reads, “Elliot Jack are a four piece who mix together loops, samples, guitars and occasional vocals to make a lovely melancholic warming sound. Their songs are beautiful enough to warm the heart of a cadaver.” Listening multiple times to this album, I found myself daydreaming of being in a field playing Frisbee with my dog. I do not own a dog, but the carefree nature of the music made me wish I had one.
 
The band is from Birmingham, UK with influences ranging from Sigur Ros, Mogwai, and Boards of Canada with a certain pre-disposition for music played in minor keys. There is a mellower vibe to Elliot Jack that plays to an almost surreal dreamlike state. They use electronic loops in helping to lay the foundation for this, sometimes atmospheric, sometimes nearly dream-hop, but with soft guitar effects as a bed for soft vocals.
 
“Owls” mixes a children’s voice loop with dream pop. “The Person We Love (Is 72.8% Water)” gets a nod if for nothing else the title. The song has a catchy melody and layered electronic rhythm. Other standout tracks include “Got To Live This Down,” “Elliot Jack Vs Stanton Delaplane,” and “Themes Of Failure.” There are instrumentals sprinkled throughout that are hypnotically weird, in a good way. The packaging needs to be mentioned as they use opaque parchment paper as the insert with some very unique artwork. Nicely done!
 
If you are looking to expand into dream-loop music that can bring you through the grayish doldrums of life, then check out this UK band. 
 
thecannyshark
December 2007