REVIEW: Elastica, Elastica (DGC)

- Bob Gajarsky

Britain's class of 1994 has almost completely made the import to American shores, each with a heavy influence from a band of days gone by. If Echobelly is today's Smiths and Oasis is the modern incarnation of the Beatles, Elastica is the 1990's vertsion of punk rock pioneers like Wire and the Stranglers.

The throwback to those punk days is evident upon seeing the cover of Elastica's self-titled debut. The four members of the group, lead vocalist/ guitarist Justine Frischmann, guitarist Donna Matthews, bassist Annie Holland and drummer Justin Welch, are decked out in all black outfits against a brick wall which could have been taken from CBGB's or any of the late 70's punk hangouts in either New York or London.

But, a la Vanilla Ice's denial of "borrowing" a riff from Queen, the band denies any stealing of riffs from any groups, including on the first U.S. single, "Connection". "Musically, it is quite odd", the band explains. "This song doesn't sound like anyone else ever." Whether accidental or deliberate, Elastica was recently found guilty in Europe of using the same notes on "Connection" as had been used on a Wire track.

The rest of the 16 song debut follows the same pattern. Most songs are less than 2:30 long, taking the listener on a fast-paced, guitar-heavy jaunt through life, getting laid, the media, groupies without even stopping for breath. Suede's Brett Anderson helps with the lyrics on "See That Animal", and the three previous U.K. singles are also included here.

In conclusion? Those who weren't around during the late 1970's for the first punk revolution might just find Elastica completely new. But, for those who lived through it, Elastica will sound like a different twist on an old theme. And when finished listening to Elastica, pick up those old Wire and Stranglers albums. You'll be amazed at how "current" they sound.