Album Review: ELEPHANT PLANET – 🐘

Vienna-based alternative/progressive rock band Elephant Planet has proven their ability to innovate and captivate with their full-length debut album, “🐘”. Blending elements of jazz, pop, and modern rock, the band’s unique sound is both a nod to their eclectic influences and a bold statement of their originality. This album, consisting of eight tracks, showcases their knack for creating music that is subtly complex yet effortlessly memorable.

1. Introduction (01:30)

The album opens with “Introduction,” a brief yet impactful prelude that sets the tone for what’s to come. With its atmospheric soundscapes and gentle build-up, this track serves as a perfect entry point into Elephant Planet’s world. The use of ambient noises and delicate instrumentation draws the listener in, preparing them for the musical journey ahead.

2. You and I (03:43)

“You and I” follows, featuring a catchy melody intertwined with intricate guitar work and rhythmic precision. This track exemplifies the band’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with progressive rock’s complexity. The lyrics speak to themes of connection and intimacy, delivered with a vocal performance that is both heartfelt and compelling. The chorus, with its infectious hook, ensures this song remains in your mind long after it’s over.

3. Dream (05:42)

“Dream” takes the listener on a more introspective journey, characterized by its dreamy soundscapes and lush harmonies. The extended instrumental passages highlight the band’s jazz influences, with intricate bass lines and syncopated rhythms driving the track forward. The ethereal quality of the vocals adds to the song’s otherworldly feel, making it a standout on the album.

4. Silence (05:12)

Contrary to its title, “Silence” is a track rich with emotional depth and dynamic contrasts. The song starts with a minimalist approach, featuring sparse instrumentation and soft vocals, before gradually building into a powerful crescendo. The lyrical content explores themes of solitude and inner peace, delivered with an authenticity that resonates deeply with the listener.

5. The End of Time (04:46)

“The End of Time” is a more urgent and intense track, driven by its propulsive rhythm section and dark, brooding melodies. The song’s structure is a testament to Elephant Planet’s progressive rock roots, with multiple time signature changes and intricate instrumental interplay. The haunting lyrics and powerful vocal delivery add to the track’s dramatic impact, making it one of the most memorable pieces on the album.

6. Rain (06:52)

“Rain” is an epic, nearly seven-minute-long track that showcases the band’s ability to craft expansive and immersive musical landscapes. The song begins with a gentle piano motif, gradually building in intensity as layers of guitars, drums, and synths are added. The lyrics reflect on themes of renewal and cleansing, perfectly complemented by the music’s ebb and flow. The extended instrumental sections allow each band member to shine, demonstrating their technical prowess and cohesive chemistry.

7. Sand (05:43)

“Sand” continues the album’s exploration of diverse sonic territories, blending elements of jazz, rock, and pop into a seamless whole. The track’s intricate rhythms and melodic sophistication are balanced by its accessible hooks and catchy chorus. The lyrics, which delve into themes of time and impermanence, are delivered with a poignant and reflective tone. This song is a testament to Elephant Planet’s ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

8. Home (07:00)

The album closes with “Home,” a seven-minute opus that encapsulates the band’s artistic vision. The track’s expansive arrangement and emotive lyrics provide a fitting conclusion to the musical journey of “🐘”. Starting with a simple acoustic guitar and vocal, the song gradually builds to a powerful and cathartic climax, with each band member contributing to the rich tapestry of sound. The themes of belonging and self-discovery resonate deeply, leaving the listener with a sense of closure and fulfillment.

Final Thoughts

“🐘” by Elephant Planet is a masterful blend of progressive rock, jazz, and pop, showcasing the band’s unique ability to create music that is both complex and accessible. Each track offers a different facet of their musical identity, from the introspective and dreamy “Dream” to the intense and urgent “The End of Time.” The album’s cohesive yet diverse sound is a testament to the band’s talent and versatility.

Elephant Planet has crafted an album that not only highlights their technical proficiency and creative vision but also connects with listeners on an emotional level. “🐘” is a bold statement that rock music, in all its evolving forms, is very much alive and thriving. This album is a must-listen for fans of progressive rock and anyone looking for music that challenges the mind and touches the heart. With “🐘”, Elephant Planet has solidified their place in the modern rock landscape, and it’s clear that they have much more to offer in the future.

Stream/download the album from Bandcamp here.