electrelane

the power out

‘Pick a language, any language. French? You got it. German? No problem. Spanish? Consider it done. It’s hard to find a tongue that Electrelane does not utilize on “The Power Out,” their sophomore release.

To top it off, many of the foreign languages portrayed on this record serve as “dedications” of one sort or another. “Oh Sombra!” for instance, is a poem by Spanish writer Juan Bosc?n. “This Deed” is a direct quote from Nietzsche’s “The Gay Science.”

The word smarmy comes to mind. So do the words pompous, arrogant and self-righteous. Electrelane comes off as intelligent for the sake of showing off; independent for the sake of being trendy.

The lyrics that have actually been penned by the band belong to one Verity Susman. Sure, Verity. Was that your parent-given name? Really? What a coincidence! Mine was Ubi Ubi Sub Ubi.

Ahem. There’s a little Latin humor for you folks.rnrnCreepiest song on the album: “The Valleys.” The harmonies of the male choir are just too much to handle. After a good twenty or so listens to this record, making it through this song once is still an improbable task. It is not what you’d expect from a project Steve Albini touched.

The lyrics of this song are taken from a poem as well. Big surprise, right?

Once beyond the unctuous nature of this record, “The Power Out” lends itself to catchy Euro-synth beats and melodies. A simple pop record hides beneath the demeanor of pseudo-sophisticates. If it is possible to separate the songs from the air they give off, this will be an enjoyable record.

For fans of record-shop employees, martini-party ambience and hip diner waitresses – a phrase applicable only in the greater Denver area.