Elleven is a band from Germany. They were formed in 2001 by ex-members of Chandelier, Tom Jarzina on drums and Stephan Scholz on bass. Besides them we have singer Julia Graff. Their first record saw the light of day in the year 2007 and is called Insight. Then an eight year hiatus before they made their second record, Transfiction (2015, see review), where Tom and Stephan were replaced by Herry Rubarth (drums, also ex-Chandelier) and Roger Weitz (bass). And after another hiatus of ten years here is the third record by Elleven, 8030. There has been another transformation in the rhythm section, here are newcomers René Lozinsky on bass and Michael Hahn on drums. The rest of the band is the same as on the previous record, namely Julia Graff on vocals and guitars, Carsten Hütter on guitars and Armin Riemer on piano, synthesizers, vocoder and Moog. I read the review of Transfiction and could not imagine what kind of music we had to deal with, so it comes down to my listening skills. But before we go over to the music, I read some things on the internet about the theme of the album. It tells the story of two people who fall in love, and also stop with the relationship. And that all in 8030 hours, or eleven months, as you know. And that is the name of the band, so this is a full circle again. More about how the relationship is going to be ended will not be written by me, just listen to the music and imagine where they are. Let's go over to the music. And as you can read at the top of this review, it is a long ride, almost eighty minutes. Will it feel like 80 minutes, or is it over in the blink of an eye? This time we start with the longest track on the album, Contact. It all started a bit spacy, as if something needs to be created, and that is exactly true, namely contact between two persons. So, the start is well done. A bit familiar is that long tracks take the time, and in this one it is exactly what happens. The guitar sounds a bit like Pink Floyd, recognizable but fine and nice. Almost halfway through the song it's the time to hear what Julia has in mind and how she sounds as a vocalist. I have to admit that she has a big range but still, she is not my favourite female vocalist. The music has a dreamy sphere and sometimes The Dame come in mind, a band I really like. Overall, this song has a lot to offer, from easy listening to screaming guitar playing, never over the top but very inspiring. The next one is Persuasiveness. The start of the song is danceable, great repetitive rhythm, but then the spotlight is for Julia who has a lot to tell you, just listen to her emotions in how two persons become closer to each other. It has nice keyboard and guitar solos. With a climax the song comes to an end. Attraction is the third one. It is a guitar driven intro and has a bit of a bluesy character. For me not the best song. Uncertainty is next. The shortest one at only two and a half minutes. It is song with keys and thundering guitar sounds, that fades away when Julia sings. Through her singing she seems to challenge the other one, and so the song ends. Then the song Desire is presented. Hello bass playing in an ominous way. A bit of talking in the background and keys that enter your ears, all driven by the bass. I think ominous is the main word for this song, with nice and subtle playing by all the band members. I like this song very much because of its character. Venture - Clash - Clarity is the sixth one and an important part of the story, that is why it is another long song, another 14-minute track. Also, this one starts ominously and takes its time, the start sounds better with closed eyes. The ominous Venture parts are so good, well done. You can easily hear when we are arriving at the Clash episode, all stops are pulled out and the guitar drags you, driven by a great rhythm section. But back to the dragging guitar because it is a real long guitar solo that leaves you wanting for more. In this song I like Julia´s singing, now she is on fire in my opinion. After ten minutes there is another guitar solo that goes through your marrow and bone. Besides the guitar the keys provide great support. Towards the end, in the Clarity section you can hear a liberating guitar solo that says enough, the end of the relationship is coming. Really great song. Then there is Deception. After the previous song, we need some space and that is why the intro of Deception is airier. Now Julia's voice sounds more like her own deception, that is well done by her. Her reach is big and if she has volume, she blows you away. Some moments in this one reminds me of the Animals album of Pink Floyd, it has the same vibe. Some great guitar riffing, assisted by great keyboards. In this song I also recognize a bit of Sylvan in their heavier songs. Also, this is a good song that I like to listen to. Release is the penultimate song. A song that takes its time. The guitars in the beginning caress your ears. The middle section is danceable again and that makes this song so nice, you cannot not move. Towards the end another nice guitar solo that brings a smile on your face. The latest one is Conciliation and is the second longest track with its length of 11 minutes. It is another song that takes its time with ominous music. But after Release I lose my attention. The whole concept is a bit too long for me, unfortunately. Overall, I can conclude that Elleven delivered a nice neo prog album. Because I am not the greatest fan of Julia it will be an album that I will not listen to a lot in the future, despite the music, because that is really okay. But judge yourself about the whole concept. A special mention for me is Carsten who plays guitar in a great way, he has a unique style that fits in what I want to hear. Recommendations to listen to are Contact, Desire, Venture - Clash - Clarity, Deception and Release. ***+ Michel Stolk (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
