Eleventyseven

One of the noblest uses of artistry is to identify things that need to be changed. For some societies it’s the government, and for others it’s the population at large. Those who have heard this band before may think this an odd way to begin their album review, and they may be right. However, in this artsy inde-emo dominated soundscape it’s a deep inhalation of fresh air to hear a band that takes seriously, not taking themselves too seriously.

Eleventyseven seems to enjoy poking fun at the overtly ridiculous. My favorite track of the album is “Redeem the Scene” because of its clever cracks on scene rockers. “Stages are for bands and catwalks are for models / How’d we ever get these two confused / Put your girlfriend’s pants right back where you got them / I hate to be the one to break the news / But rock and roll was never meant for you.” Like their MySpace song from their first major release, this track mocks a bad trend and its followers. Masked with humor, I believe this is a plea for authenticity.

Auto-tune, is great. Its use has made it to where I can’t watch Katie Couric without a giggle. If you’re not sure what I am talking about, do a YouTube search. The effect is the signature of over-the-top pop vocals and Eleventyseven uses it freely. Take this bit of auto-tune lyric also from “Redeem the Scene;” “One look into your eyes and I just see the dollar signs / I wanna tiny glimpse into your soul / The songs that my band loves to sing / Are not just songs for marketing / They belong to you to love and hold.” The pairing of auto-tune vocals with pop-punk guitars gives some songs an air of sarcasm.

Aside from the social and music industry remarks, this latest release is simply loads of fun. The track “Evil Genius” brings up cartoon images of a now teenage Dexter emerging from his laboratory, and walks us through his attempts to get a date. The fun continues with “Prom Song,” a bubblegum modern track that sinks its pop hook melodies into the listener till its conclusion.

This album as a complete work is great; however, if one were to break it down musically not much stands out. Guitars are good, drums are good, vocals are nice, but nothing can be set apart as superior. I think what identifies this albums as different from the rest is the you-can-not-be-serious techno synth tracks and lyrics. The theme is fun, and when they deviate it does not work as well. A few tracks one might consider serious are “The Best I Can,” “Like You Rock,” and “End of Time.” These tracks are not really fun; however, musically they have some of the same elements as the others. The techno portions of those songs just sound goofy behind serious lyrics. “The Best I Can” contains a breakdown that sounds a bit like Savage Garden, which is only acceptable if you really mean to make fun of them

Personally I hope Eleventyseven never changes. I hope that future works simply move on to other subjects on which they can make humorous commentary; even if they target music critics next. If punk/ska is never resurrected, and it seems that is the case, I am willing to take this artist as well as others like them as a satisfactory substitute. With the intensity found throughout music lately this band is providing a means to lighten up. Besides guys, how tough can you be in girl jeans? Chuck Norris never wore girl jeans.

Tagged as: Adventures in Eville, Eleventyseven

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