ELECPHONIC: Sophomorephonic

By Ania Glowacz

The follow up to the act's self-titled debut, 'Sophomorephonic' follows on in a musically and lyrically similar vein. It's an acquired taste, but not one without merit. 'Interesting' (read off-beat) topics are espoused and commented on - the Mile High Club, coca leaf production, country folk moving to the cities, tanning, 'coming out' to your wife... Safe to say this isn't really pop! Elecphonic employ vintage synth sounds and masked, heavily treated vocals. The main vocals on most tracks are a deep, spoken male voice, slowed down and stretched, whilst the backing vocals are pitched higher into a more female-sounding palette. It's unusual as well as difficult to describe! Elecphonic aims to be elusive, so I can' tell you who's behind these creations. The music plods and weaves and squelches its way around the lyrics, including one track which is essentially a cake recipe... The words are hard to pick up and demand concentration or a read of the lyric sheet. If you have the patience, this is 'quirky' and different electronica with a sardonic and humourous edge.

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NZ Musician

August/September 2007