8030

Elleven, a band formed in 2001 with two former members of Chandelier, wanted to showcase Julia Graff, who deserved partial recognition for this slightly atmospheric progressive pop.

"Contact," with its latent, gentle atmosphere and prominent electro-pop synth, beats with new-wave sounds. The Gilmourian guitar arrives late, slowly, and matches the marshmallow sound. Julia's languid vocals are enhanced by the soaring acoustics; the sloping notes are jazzy if it weren't for the melancholic guitar; a second heavy- psychedelic break elevates the song, which was missing. "Persuasiveness," a hypnotic, high-pitched, and insightful hang, with sharp guitar, a hint of Minimum Vital, rhythm with the heavy bass, and a soft air with the vibrant synthesizer. A beautiful exercise in a more accessible, fresh, and pop-like style. "Attraction" changes direction with the short track, featuring train station hall sounds and ethereal vocals, followed by "Unvertainty," a synth pop-rock tune worthy of The Cranberries, even shorter as a choral interlude. "Desire" lingers, with ambient space, deep bass worthy of Alan Parsons, and enchanting piano, with Julia's voice as sensual as can be. An exotic blend of captivating emotions in a latent tune, a beautiful crescendic rise, and the final, energetic guitar solo tearing the air from its notes; an airy, symphonic melancholy, à la Pink Floyd, that lifts the album off the ground.

"Venture ~ Clash ~ Clarity," for the second of the three long tracks; an atmospheric, languid atmosphere; a romantic, suave, and erotic twist with the snare drum, juggling sensuality and the agitation of words. A latent track, subdued, then fiery, with Carsten's insistent guitar, oozing with melancholy; the long finale. "Deception" for the atmospheric dark rock track, Banks-esque keyboard, Mason-esque pad, and furious guitar. A blend of gentleness and controlled aggression from Julia. "Release" takes a turn worthy of Anathema's third period, overwhelming; a metronomic, emotional, and captivating keyboard, an atmospheric basic sound, and staccato vocals for a slow melodic decline reminiscent of Pendragon and New Age. A risky pairing with the fiery finale. "Conciliation" for the finale, with its long crescendo, moves forward with this painful story by offering a warm, airy atmosphere, a sign of openness and sharing. The cinematic, spatial outro is a sign of hope.

Elleven offers ethereal progressive pop where the ambient atmosphere exudes emotion in spades. A musical landscape offering gentleness and moderate power. The technically flawless album is a bit long on its tracks, which can unfortunately detract from the concept.

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