Wonderful Wooden Reasons
Elapse-O / Elapse-O
(Records On Ribs)
CDR & Download
Oxford two-piece who produce a shimmery and bludgeoning shoegaze haze very much in the tradition of Suicide and Spaceman 3 and that my friends is never, ever a bad thing. Elapse-O's sonic turbulence isn't going to be to everyone's taste but then some people wouldn't know good music if it was slapping them in the face with a month old haddock. The album is short and sweet clocking in at twenty and half minutes and the lovely folks at Records On Ribs have made it available as a free download via their website. Personally though I reckon you should show some love and send them some cash for an actually, exists in the real world, copy. You won't regret it.
http://www.wonderfulwoodenreasons.co.uk/
Leonard's Liar
Published August 14, 2008
Everything about Elapse-O suggests an assault of the ears. Their press release boasts of "Songs About Fucking-esque" drum machines and "Fuck Off Riffs" whilst the first song on their debut EP is entitled 'Sonny Liston'. Such a pugnacious approach certainly made me feel wary when pressing play on the CD player. Granted, this is certainly a challenging listen but one which has an oddly mesmeric feel.
'Sonny Liston' it is which opens up the EP. Like an angry version of Sigue Sigue Sputnik's 'Love Missile F1-11′, huge drum beats and leering vocals mutate into a well-constructed mass of noise. 'Golden Ships' is, if anything, more confrontational than the opener; yet despite being dominated by distortion it is undeniably arresting. In the spirit of Jesus And Mary Chain, for each track, a tune always lurks within but Elapse-O give it a few kicks and punches to make it appear less pretty. 'Island' and Public Image Ltd.-soundalike 'Mars' continue this trend with a refreshing lack of subtlety.
I suppose 'Elapse-O' isn't the kind of music I'd reach for if I was looking for some kind of escapism. Nevertheless its experimental nature and well-buried melodies are worth unearthing for those looking for something a little different.
http://leonardslair.wordpress.com/2008/08/14/review-elapse-o-elapse-o/
The Music Lobby
Never before have I heard the "noise rock" style usher in songs I would describe as beautiful, but Elapse-O seem to have figured out a way. Their debut EP somehow manages to inject beauty and soul in between feedback and noise, with post-punkesque vocals and drum machine loops adding even more flavor to each track, and never once sounding superfluous with their inclusion. It's amazing that I'm just hearing about this band now. Normally when an EP this succinct is made, its existence is heralded all over the blogs and Pitchfork before the CDR's are even burned. Credit has to go out to to Records on Ribs not only for the discovery of this band, but for releasing the music for free as is their mission. CDR's are made to order upon request. But don't let the low price tag fool you; this music is worth your time and your money.
http://themusiclobby.com/indie-rock/elapse-o-elapse-o-records-on-ribs-2008.html