EP Review: Elandra – Elandra

Brighton Psych-Indie newcomers Elandra have released their vibrant new self titled EP, a blend of Tame Impala-esque psychedelic-synth-rock and at times, high octane art-rock.

Opening with the shuffling rhythms of ‘I Don’t Know’, the band’s psychedelic tendencies are brought to the fore immediately on a track that would easily fit the backdrop of a Tarantino movie. Underpinned by an infectious bass line, the lyric-heavy vocals move with fluidity before shifting into the ethereal chorus, where a biting guitar line mimics the bass rhythms into the second verse as delay- and reverb-soaked licks float above.

In the latter part of the track, the band’s alt-rock-indie side comes to the fore, as the track moves from its psychedelic ambience to a more straightforward, strummed guitar backing, instantly showcasing how the band can shift between musical approaches with ease.

Elsewhere on the EP, ‘This City Is Not For Me’ offers a more electronic backdrop with pulsing synths blending with distorted guitar tones and punching live drums under haunting, subtly dark vocal melodies.

‘Maybe One More Time’ captures a more obviously Tame Impala-esque soundscape with its swirling synth pads, plucky bass, and tight guitar work, topped with boxy, melancholic, pleasingly lazy lead vocals. Definitely one of the EP’s highlights, the track carries an effortlessly cool edge and a depth in both its musicality and emotional delivery, shining brightest in the track’s euphoric climax.

‘Thousand Steps’ captures an indie vibrancy comparable to early Everything Everything before bursting into a fuzzy guitar-led instrumental break and developing through varying sections. Closing with ‘Familiar Home’, the fast-paced lyricism over an intricate indie backdrop, given a psych edge by virtue of its interesting melodic choices, captures the essence of the approach central to Elandra’s sound. The EP concludes with an intense final section led by a driving bass line, closing in a fittingly euphoric style.

While the EP is by no means perfect, it’s exciting and showcases a keen ear for interesting musicality. The ideas are all strikingly unique, the instrumental work is commendable and theres an overwhelming sense of creativeness, of an eagerness to push boundaries and not make music which simply does enough – to try and push it one step further than that and create something with real inventive musical depth.

With their self-titled debut EP, it’s immediately apparent that Elandra are capable of some brilliant music, especially as they improve and grow over time. A band with a huge amount of promise showcased across 5 varied, innovative and yet still accessible tracks.

Listen below: