REVIEW: Eleven, Avantgardedog (A&M)
- Scott Hudson
Eleven's approach to creating great rock music has always been an exercise in experimentation that, historically, has defied all of the conventional musical mores. The fact that Alain Johannes (guitar, vocals) and Natasha Shneider (keyboards, vocals) consider Western music, "particularly pop" inflexible and confining, prompted them to explore a vast array of stylistic avenues, thus opening the door to different musical possibilities. By fusing their interests in Eastern music; Indian, Pakistani and Bulgarian music with rock, pop, punk, classical and gothic music, the band has hewn for themselves a sound that is dynamic, colorfully textured; always eclectic and always interesting.
Their latest release, Avantgardedog, comes off the heels of a successful 1999 collaboration with former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell. Not only did Johannes and Shneider contribute musically to Cornell's brilliant debut solo release, Euphoria Morning, they also shared co-production credit and co-wrote half of the songs as well. When Cornell hit the road in the fall of 1999 for a string of shows in the U.S. and Europe, it was Johannes, Shneider and Eleven skinman Greg Upchurch who not only opened for Cornell but formed the core of his own touring band.
Avantgardedog is exactly what its title suggests: a conviction of making music without limitations, saying yes to the inclusion of different styles when others say no. Perhaps its like attempting to jump the fountains of Caesar's Palace on a minibike; maybe it can't be done but you'll never know until you try. It is exactly this type of seat-of-your-pants attitude that makes Eleven's music exciting but at the same time dangerous.
The outstanding tracks on this record are many. The Indian-tinged intro of "All Falls Away" beautifully segues into Natasha Shneider's haunting, mournful vocals culminating with Alain Johannes' contrasting, but catchy Na-Na-Na chorus line.
Then there is the powerful "You're Not Alone" followed by the most radio-worthy song on the record in "Verb." "Verb" stands alone as an all-out rocker complete with an excellent wah-wah guitar groove and Johannes' excellent vocals. Not since their 1993 self-titled release that yielded the hit single "Reach Out" has the band experienced significant airplay. But if given the opportunity, "Verb" could change all of that.
The dirge of "What Can I Do," the light-hearted "It's Okay," the haunting atmosphere of "Lucky One" and the mind-blowing epic "Beautiful Self" represent the records' mammoth middle tracks setting you up for the big finish. "Strands Of Rain" is signature Shneider. Wonderfully arranged classical piano behind her elegant, emotive vocal lines.
Avantgardedog is a masterpiece of a record and it stands as testament of Eleven's uncompromising artistic vision. With this record you'll be able to give your skip button a well-deserved break.
