Elefant

Not the Cure, but a fine treatment

Move over, Psychedelic Furs: Elefant brings back moody pop, '80s style.
Move over, Psychedelic Furs: Elefant brings back moody pop, '80s style.

Perhaps it's the omnipresent gray skies, but whatever the cause, the Brits are masters of a strain of gloomy romanticism traceable from Bowie to Blancmange to Morrissey. NYC quartet Elefant channels this dark, synth-driven pop sound (which hit its high-water mark during New Wave's '80s reign) with supple melodies and a heavy-lidded vocal delivery that recalls the laconic, lovelorn expressions of Robert Smith. Though this nostalgic pop spirit fills the band's debut album, Sunlight Makes Me Paranoid, Elefant is not completely shackled to the past. In particular, the chunky guitar tones sound, at times, in keeping with fellow Gotham nostalgists such as The Strokes (as on the catchy "Misfit"). Singer-guitarist Diego Garcia broods a bit like Bowie, though he's not as grand, so it helps that the music twists and sways with great elegance. But while ornate, these are at heart pop songs, so Elefant doesn't get too plush in its arrangements, pushing steadily toward the big choruses and their rich, pungent bloom.

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
 

Concert Calendar

  • May
  • Tue
    21
  • Wed
    22
  • Thu
    23
  • Fri
    24
  • Sat
    25
  • Sun
    26
  • Mon
    27
Phoenix Event Tickets
©2013 Phoenix New Times, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Phoenix

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city