Elf Power: The Winter is Coming

This is a carefully recorded collection. The credits are a star-studded affair: members of the Olivia Tremor Control and Neutral Milk Hotel and the suddenly ubiquitous Dave Fridmann all lend a hand. But whereas the Olivia Tremor Control and Fridmann's work with The Flaming Lips succeeded in blending unthinkable amounts of sound into mind-bending wholes, Elf Power's unusual production techniques are intrusive, creating distractions from melodies that need no such adornment. "The Great Society," "100,000 Telescopes," and "The Albatross" all suffer from more effects than they are able to support. This is especially unfortunate in the case of "100,000 Telescopes," which would easily have been the album's most beautiful track with a simpler arrangement.

The album is not without merit, however. "Leopard's Teeth," the pounding concert highlight "Embrace The Crimson Tide," and the simple, bright "The Sun Is Forever" are among the best songs Elf Power has recorded. The group also distinguishes itself with a melancholy tone that is a departure from the relentless sunniness of most Elephant 6 bands.

Unfortunately, the calculated lushness of the album suggests that during their nine months in the studio the band simply tried too hard to make a classic record. Despite its sporadic charms, The Winter Is Coming is just another baby-step toward Elf Power's eventual masterwork. (Suger Free)

—Jim Laakso

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