Album Details

• Artist: Electric Flower
• EP:
Ep Ii
• Label: Narnack Records
• Year of Release: 2012
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2012-02-21

One of the best things about the guitar-drum duo lineup is that the exploration is so immediate-it only needs to go through two people, through two instruments feeding off each other in the moment. The improvisational possibilities of the format are taken to new heights on the latest from Electric Flower. "EPII" consists of only three songs, but this second release by the band explores so much rich sonic ground, that these three tracks give you enough to chew on for weeks.

The single, "Eclipsed," is melodic power pop in every juicy joyous sense of the word; soaring, slightly snotty harmonies, a gritty riff that never eases up, an epic chorus that will stick in your head. Guitarists Imaad Wasif owns "Cocoon," displaying a muted, gritty riff ala the mid 80s Brit psych bands who still remembered guitar is king, with a punishing but hyponoitc middle section mixed with some well-placed fuzz solo freakout. Throughout, drummer Josh Garza keeps a solid foundation, with occasional fills that add punch and depth to the solos.

The final track, "The Electrician," is pretty daring, considering the semi-spoken word backed with strategic drum hits , and minor chords, hasn't been done too well or often since Morrison, and even he was hit and miss; but this relies as much on muscle as words, and eventually kicks into a dystopian sludgy but melodic epic. This is actually a cover of one of Scott Walker's more bleak sexual fantasies, though Electric Flower keeps the mood gritty rather than obsessive. The closing few minutes define majestic.

"EP II" is overloaded with power and improvisational energy that has the added depth of a strong melodic sense. Electric Flower sticks to your ribs, bludgeoning you as often as they win you with memorable hooks and grooves. When can we expect the full-length, guys?

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