This album is like a soundtrack to the summer with all the elements you would want for music at a summer party: from great bass beats to beautiful lyrics. An eclectic mix of songs, you get a Motown feel to them all, especially with the textured vocal tones of Asa Taccone who, with Matthew Compton, make up Electric Guest. Add on top of that a variety of other musical elements including electronic influences and deep bass tones, and you are given an album which takes you on a musical journey; not surprising when you look at the band’s name which was influenced by a co-worker telling Asa that he was an Electric Guest of the universe. Needless to say, this album is trying to tell this to us all.
From a mixture of chilled-out tunes such as album opener ‘Awake’ and ‘Trouble Man’ – the latter of which feels like one of the simplest songs on the album with its combination of guitar, drums and vocals,which are used together so powerfully to make it something more – to songs which make you want to sing and dance such as ‘The Bait’. With its combination of electronic sounds and rich vocals it certainly is an earworm, sticking in your brain. ‘Waves’ has an ‘A Town called Malice’ feel to it, with its combination of drums and tambourines, but not to its detriment; to me, this is one of the best tracks on the album. These songs are the ones which stir something within your heart and make you want to let the track just take you over. The piano and drums on ‘This Head I Hold’ are fantastic, giving the whole song a particularly great Motown feel to it. The vocals throughout the album are rich and textured, woven into layers between the guitars, drums, electronic beats and hand clapping leading to beautiful tracks that stick with you once the music has stopped.
Whilst the group state in their press release that their music is ultimately pop music, comparing this album to the pop music of today would be an injustice. This album is so much more than what is being churned out, clearly demonstrating that it is a well thought out and personal record with a variety of influences. Although you wouldn’t necessarily think to combine all these elements, Electric Guest have brought them together in a record where it really works.
This album will leave you with a feel- good vibe inside and a smile on your face to see you through the whole of a summer party: from the chilled daytime conversations to the late night dancing to big beats. ‘Mondo’ has got it all covered, and you can be sure I will be playing this at my next party.
Mondo is out now via Because Music. BUY: Amazon / iTunes
Posted by Lauren Carnall
