After releasing Tautology, an ambitious triple album encompassing an entire life cycle, El Ten Eleven clearly felt like having fun and making something far less serious and emotionally wrenching. New Year's Eve is barely longer than half-an-hour, and it's intended as a celebration of the promise of the new year. It's all about the optimism of making resolutions, the anticipation of change, and living in the moment rather than dwelling on the past. Disco is the album's primary musical influence, and these are some of the ...
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After releasing Tautology, an ambitious triple album encompassing an entire life cycle, El Ten Eleven clearly felt like having fun and making something far less serious and emotionally wrenching. New Year's Eve is barely longer than half-an-hour, and it's intended as a celebration of the promise of the new year. It's all about the optimism of making resolutions, the anticipation of change, and living in the moment rather than dwelling on the past. Disco is the album's primary musical influence, and these are some of the most groove-heavy songs the duo has written. Tim Fogarty's drumming shuffles and struts, while Kristian Dunn's bass playing is gritty and closer to '70s boogie rock. Dunn also employs looping and effects pedals in order to add textural and melodic elements, and provide emotional framework to the songs. The music is mostly upbeat and joyous, but there are always traces of sadness, regret, or uncertainty lurking beneath. For the most part, though, the darker moments add a bit of depth but don't cloud the celebratory mood. "Meta Metta" feels a bit tougher due to its hard rock staccato riffs and drums, as well as some lines that bigger bands might use to launch off into flashy, virtuosic soloing. "The Time Knife" starts out by flying carefree, then switches to a slower, more grounded rhythm, eventually letting go and getting back to revelry. "Sixteen Circles" also plays with contrasts, steadily simmering until it bursts with more angular rhythms, flying effects, and loud cymbals. "A Reflection of a Reflection" starts out taut and funky before drifting into a comedown drowsy enough to approximate a hangover. It's hard to let go of the past, or even deal with the present most of the time, but El Ten Eleven do their best to remain optimistic and keep connected with the spirit driving them forward. ~ Paul Simpson, Rovi
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