Electrelane have never been a band to succumb to stereotypes, preferring instead to twist, break and turn upside down all expectations with every move. It’s what makes them such an interesting, diverse and continually prolific force.
‘Axes’ was recorded mostly live over Christmas 2004 with Steve Albini (and with newly appointed bassist Ros Murray). The album was played from start to finish with the band altogether in one room, like a gig played with total freedom and drive and a big dollop of healthy disregard for the over- polished.
‘ Axes’ draws on elements of Electrelane’s previous albums ‘Rock It To The Moon’ (released through the bands own Let’s Rock! imprint) and ‘The Power Out’ but develops them further. The result is their most assured work to date.
‘ Axes’ is luscious, beautiful and melodic. In parts leaning towards a pop aesthetic complemented by Verity’s inscrutable and dulcet vocals. At other times a thunderous powerful force of hard- edged metal derived guitar riffs, clattering piano and primal pounding drums and bass. It’s an engulfing frenzy of garage and new wave-esq. rock which intensifies on their cover of Leonard Cohen’s ‘The Partisan’. With an unsurprising punk ethic of a band so admirably indomitable, Electrelane began playing the track on 2004’s pre-Election US tour as a mockery of Bush’s ownership of the word “freedom”.
‘ Axes’ sails through and chops up many genres, atmospheres and textures. It finds itself in a kind of otherworldliness well above the confines of the pigeon- holed. It’s loud and quiet, aggressive and calming, menacing and sweet, slow paced yet frenzied. Above all it’s startlingly beautiful and unique record.
Tracklist
- One, Two, Three, Lots
- Bells
- Two For Joy
- If Not Now, When?
- Eight Steps
- Gone Darker
- Atom's Tomb
- Business or Otherwise
- Those Pockets are People
- The Partisan
- I Keep Losing Heart
- Come Back
- Suitcase
