SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ELOVET – SHADOW SEASON: A MUSICAL SKETCHBOOK

ELOVET
SHADOW SEASON: A MUSICAL SKETCHBOOK
INDEPENDENT

Elovet has been making music for 10 years. In fact, Shadow Season: A Musical Sketchbook has been released to celebrate his 10th year of releasing music. Over those years, Elovet has released a great deal, and has grown as an artist. He has developed his own distinct style and sound, which is very hard to pin down to one genre. Shadow Season: A Musical Sketchbook is a prime example.

Elovet works in patterns, such as the first song, “LOST.” As with the entire mini album/EP, it is a sound collage with a great beat. Elovet structures the sounds and constructs the sounds and atmosphere. The sounds form the rhythm and base of the song. He uses lyrics sparingly, but when he does use his voice, it is very effective. “TO_BE (close to you)” is a great example of this style. He then adds on other layers. The overall effect is somewhat disturbing. It achieves its goal of being a little (or a lot) creepy. And it is constantly fascinating. When he does use his voice (like in “DEMONIZE_(SHADOW SEASON REMIX)”, it is more an instrument than a vocal. And, again, it works perfectly.

“WHAT DOES IT MEAN_HIM” utilizes rap, and with the driving, almost machine-like rhythm, it is effective in getting across Elovet’s questions and observations. Part political, part personal, it is a brilliant track, and the highlight of this release. Elovet experiments with sound and form, making the music hard to categorize.

He also never overstays his welcome. The songs are not overlong, and he knows when to stop. The compact times (most tracks are around three to four minutes) allows for more diverse sounds and thoughts to be expressed and heard throughout the mini album. “VANGOGH_CHASE IT” is the most conventional song on the album. It is an incredible rap song that lets Elovet really go for broke.

Shadow Season: A Musical Sketchbook is a very original and unique release. The addition of a live track (“SAVEYOURSELF_(LIVE @ The Vast Lab 2018”) shows that Elovet is a musician and can recreate his music/art live. Overall, Shadow Season: A Musical Sketchbook is a brilliant work. It is well thought out, planned, and executed. Elovet is a truly talented artist, and Shadow Season: A Musical Sketchbook is his strongest work to date. He uses sound like a painter uses paint. He is careful, never random, and in the end creates something of beauty, which also forces the listener to really explore their own thoughts.

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