Elastik – Opak (Digital EP – Koma Records)
Genre/Influences: Cinematographic, electronic, triphop.
Background/Info: I got the opportunity to discover Elastik by previous releases. Driven by Thomas Prigent this French formation strikes back with a 6-track work, which more looks like a mini-album.
Content: Thomas Prigent invited a few guest singers to contribute to his new work. The sound is like the offspring between movie soundtracks and dark trip-hop reminding me now and then of Massive Attack.
There’s a noticeable difference between some of the singers, which also injects a different sensibility to the composition. Some vocal parts are soft and even fragile while others are more into a half spoken style. “Opak” also features instrumentals, which increase the cinematographic approach.
+ + + : Elastik remains an interesting formation, which on “Opak” reveals a more pronounced and exciting trip-hop approach. “Une Ville A Deux” is a fully accomplished piece, which will possibly appeal to fans of Massive Attack. “Ecrire” feat. Horror 4o4 caught my attention for the more experimental trip-hop style while the French spoken-like lyrics are pretty freaky. The soundtrack-inspired cuts are well-crafted as well and revealing intriguing moods (especially on “Station”).
– – – : Elastik is maybe missing a few little details that could make this band become really interesting. The cinematographic-like pieces are cool, but not exactly setting the world alight.
Conclusion: Elastik is a formation on which I already kept an eye on and “Opak” only confirms the growing maturity of the band. This band definitely deserves a break through.
Best songs: “Une Ville A Deux”, “Fast And Glorious feat. Faustine”, “Ecrire feat. Horror 4o4”.
Rate: (7½).
Band: www.elastik.fr / www.facebook.com/ELASTIK-195447804172
Label: www.komarecords.com / www.facebook.com/Koma–Records-133587800038620
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