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Live Local Music

Album Review: Mondo by Electric Guest

Posted by Brittany Barth on 10/09 at 01:00 AM

After discovering how infatuated I became with Lana Del Rey’s music, I set out to find artists similar to her.

Naturally, I looked to the Spotify Radio App to guide me in my quest (it’s always been reliable in the past and once again it didn’t fail me).  The app introduced me to the band, Electric Guest, who has since become my new obsession.

The LA-based duo consists of Asa Taccone on vocals and Mathew Compton on drums. When the band tours, however, E.G. becomes a foursome, with Todd and Tory Dahlhoff on keyboards and bass. Together, they form Electric Guest, who created a debut album, Mondo, so impressive they made “MTV’s 11 Artists to Watch In 2012.” the album also features Lana Del Rey, Avicii and Fun..

Spotify featured E.G.’s song “The Bait” which lured me, reeled me in, and left me wanting more of this feel-good music which I couldn’t help but have a solo-dance session to. It led me listen to the rest of Mondo, a record which is psychedelic, soulful and funky and who could resist that combination?

The first single off of the album is entitled, “This Head I Hold” which perfectly illustrates the band’s funkier side. It’s a song that’s guaranteed to get you up, moving and grooving.  And while “This Head I Hold” is one of my favorites off of Mondo, the first track “Holes” has my heart. The song, which is the only ballad on the album, is sexy and intimate. You feel yourself drifting away while listening to the music as well as being entranced by Taccone’s soulful vocals. â€œHoles” is almost reminiscent of R&B, definitely not what you would expect from an indie rock album. However unexpected the sound of the song may be, though, it’s not unwelcome. It is Mondo’s most unique feature, the most memorable song on the album, and an inclination as to how multidimensional Electric Guest can be.

“American Daydream” is the band’s second single which, like “Holes,” is another unexpected surprise for listeners. It relinquishes the electrified sound that occupies a majority of the album and replaces it with what resembles gospel. It is perhaps the most emotional song to be found on Mondo, and it incorporates a small, but soulful chorus backing Taccone’s lyrics. The song creates an interesting juxtaposition against the band’s first single, which reinforces how much variety Electric Guest provides within their songs.

Other songs on the album include “Amber” which incorporates the same sexiness that “Holes” provides. If you’re looking for some songs on the album to chill to, then “Control” and “Trouble Man” will put you at ease. If you’re looking to get geared up for your day (or your night) turn to “Waves” and “The Bait”. If “American Daydream” made you interested in getting more in touch with your soulful side, then skip right to “Under The Gun.”

Mondo is a superb debut album that showcases exactly what Electric Guest is made of, as well as how much variety the band can provide within their music. They are most definitely a band that is soon to become one of your favorites.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_Guest