Being Dead
EELS
Bayonet Records [2024]
“A fearless and eclectic trip, EELS defies expectations at every turn.”
Album Overview: Being Dead, formed by Falcon Bitch and Smoofy, is a duo from Austin, Texas, known for their unpredictable and eccentric approach to music. Over their seven years together, they’ve crafted an image that blurs reality with playful mysticism. Whether it’s whimsical origin stories or their enigmatic live performances, they’ve built a reputation for being unconventional. Their debut album When Horses Would Run (2023) was well-received, though it presented a more polished version of the band. Eager for a different experience on their follow-up, they sought new creative methods, collaborating with producer John Congleton and expanding their live trio with bassist Nicole Roman-Johnston. EELS pushes Being Dead into fresh territory. The album consists of 16 tracks, each standing as its own unique expression, while the overall vibe taps into deeper emotional territory. Recorded over two weeks in Los Angeles, the album carries a mix of spontaneity and intricacy, reflective of the band’s newfound collaborative process. It’s a wild ride that navigates through a variety of moods and tempo shifts, many of which happen within a single track. EELS encapsulates the band’s ever-present knack for breaking conventions.
Musical Style: The sound of EELS swings across genres, pulling together elements that range from garage rock and surf guitar to folk, lo-fi, shoegaze, and punk. At times, it’s chaotic yet simple, and at other points, sparse and reflective. The duo’s musical identity seems to be in constant flux, creating something that feels both retro and futuristic while always searching for the next hook within each track. One notable aspect of this album is how their vocal harmonies contrast sharply with distorted instrumentals, while unexpected textures emerge, offering an engaging and constantly shifting sound.
Evolution of Sound: Compared to When Horses Would Run, EELS feels less refined and more experimental which I really liked. Working with John Congleton allowed Being Dead to explore new methods of songwriting and recording, resulting in a rougher, less polished product that better captures the energy of their live shows. From lo-fi demos to more developed tracks, the variety of production techniques showcases a dynamic evolution over the albums 40 minutes. The band’s refusal to repeat itself from track to track further exemplifies their desire to evolve.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of eclectic and genre-blurring artists will likely appreciate EELS. The record shares sonic kinship with artists like Devo and Gus Englehorn for its quirky edge, while featuring harmonies that echo back to the Mamas and the Papas era. There are shoegaze-inspired moments reminiscent of Duster and La Luz, alongside the raw garage rock energy of X. These comparisons highlight the unpredictable yet cohesive nature of Being Dead’s music.
Pivotal Tracks: Key tracks from EELS include “Nightvision,” which features a stunning transition within its structure—starting with a slower, almost a cappella and acoustic intro, before shifting to a more upbeat electric continuation that flows seamlessly. “Godzilla Rises,” which opens the album, delivers an immediate guitar line and sets the tone with dual lead vocals. “Van Goes” leans into post-punk weirdness, while “Gazing at Footwear” blends shoegaze with atmospheric depth. “Big Bovine” transforms from its original swing tune roots into a harder, faster track, demonstrating the band’s willingness to reshape their sound during recording. “I Was a Tunnel” offers a quiet, acoustic moment, standing in contrast to the more chaotic songs.
Lyrical Strength: The lyrics across EELS frequently balance whimsy and introspection, shifting between abstract imagery and personal themes. There’s a playful quality in how Falcon Bitch and Smoofy deliver their vocals, turning both mundane and fantastical ideas into memorable lines. Their lyrics can be cryptic but remain approachable, giving listeners space to interpret the stories Being Dead hints at throughout the album.
BEING DEAD REVIEW HISTORY
When Horses Would Run (2023)
BEING DEAD LINKS
Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Bayonet Records
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