ELEFANT: The Black Magic Show

Elefant and BRMC have a couple of things in common. Not only are they both American, but they both also display a vast amount of British influences in their music – and not just any British influences, but dark, low-key influences. Just think Joy Division and early Ride. It really isn’t a surprise that the two bands are currently touring the U.S. (but not Canada!) together.

Before I go any farther, let me give you a brief background on Elefant. They are led by American-born Argentianian Diego Garcia, Brown University alumni with a degree in Economics. Upon graduation he moved to New York and recruited a few musicians to form Elefant.

The title of the band’s second album, The Black Magic Show, suits their style very well. They are “black” as in drugged up, and at times, depressing post-punk.

The most notable songs are clustered towards the beginning of the album. The opening track, which happens to have the same title as the album, would satisfy most Smiths fans with its rockabilly backbeat and Johnny Marr-influenced guitar playing. Hell, even the vocals sound a bit like Morrissey! Sirens is about the strange life of a rock star and is probably the most engaging song on the album. A definite should-be single! However, the album’s actual single is Lolita, driven by a simple but dominant guitar riff. Nothing fancy, but it works... i guess.

Oh Uh Hello comes dangerously close to a Killers song, but is still respectable. Again, The Smiths influence is evident. Why, My Apology, and It’s a Shame have essentially the same theme and are nothing too special. “Another late night, why do I try… blah blah blah” – that kinda shite. They have, however, been growing on me with each listen. Maybe I’m just becoming depressed. :(

Overall, The Black Magic Show will not be album of the year, but could be worth a listen if you're caught up with the whole 80s revival fad.

Did Garcia make the right career move?

Possibly.

The Poet's Rating: 6.5/10