WESTZEIT
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"Elevator Action stand for boisterous and entertaining melody and rhythm and deliver the soundtrack for this Summer." |
July |
Online |
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http://www.acousticshock.de |
"The band's name sounds like some old computer jump and run game. But behind it you find some talented folks from North Carolina who really impress with their mixture of Rock, Glam and some slight Punk influences. "Society, Secret" is already the second album of Eric Gilstrap (vocals/guitar)Laurie Ruroden (bass/vocals) and James Donley (drums). Their debut "It's Just Addiction" did drown over here. But now we finally get to listen to these fresh Americans. For an American band they sound very British. When you listen carefully to the brilliant melodies and the moody tempo changes they could be a new discovery of the BritPop scene. The strongest songs are w/o a doubt 'Nuvo' and 'Secret Society'. The hooks are first class and jump in your head right away. A bit crazy, very frisky but still perfectly mixed and not trashy at all. Some help on the production side comes from John Agnello who did already help getting Dinosaur Jr and The Breeders in shape. Elevator Action should be no longer labelled an insider tip and should establish themselves as a highlight in the Indie scene. Hopefully we can check the live quality of this band real soon. But it seems that a Germany tour is not scheduled yet. Anyway, this album is recommended for anybody into classy sounds!" |
June |
httP://www.allschools.de |
"Ähnlich wie ihre Labelmates von den SAMMIES gehen ELEVATOR ACTION auch auf ihrem neuen Werk zur Sache. Das Trio verbindet an die 70er erinnernde Riffs mit Orgelklängen, gelegentlich etwas ausufernden Melodien und jeder Menge arschtretendem Rock. Auch die beiden Jungs und das eine Mädel kommen aus Charlotte, North Carolina, somit liegt es nahe, dass das umtriebige MoRisen Label sie signte. Produziert wurden die 11 Tracks von John Agnello, welcher schon mit ALICE COOPER oder den LEMONHEADS zusammengearbeitet hat. Demnach gibt es auch soundtechnisch hier erste Güte zu hören. Wer also diesen Sommer des öfteren zu einem Festival fährt um sich Bands wie MANDO DIAO oder ähnliche anzuschauen, sollte auf jeden Fall einmal dieses Trio antesten, denn vielleicht findet ihr in dieser Platte genau den richtigen Soundtrack für die Reise." "Elevator Action act quite similar to their label mates The Sammies on this album. The trio combines 70s riffing with organ sounds, melodies, that sometimes get a bit out of hand and a lot of asskicking Rock. The two boys and the girl hail from Charlotte, North Carolina and so it is no wonder that the MoRisen label signed them, a company that always seems to be on the go. The eleven tracks were produced by John Agnello who already worked with Alice Cooper and the Lemonheads. So expect a high class production. When you travel to festivals this Summer to see bands like Mando Diao you should check out this three piece. You might find the perfect soundtrack for your trip!" |
July |
http://www.blueprint-fanzine.de |
"Whoever releases something on MoRisen Records hails from North Carolina. That makes it way easy to locate Elevator Action locally. Musically things get harder though. The three piece acts unconstrained in the wide fields of Indie Rock. At first you have many, easily accessible melodies. But before you expect a pure Summer album the band spice up their songs with complex structures and nice Punk elements. The guitars strum at their very best, the vocals (many of them are harmonies) are nicely emotional and the songs also deliver a lot of power with some Trash elements. "Society, Secret" is the second album after "It's Just Addiction" from 2004. On the knobs they head John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr. Screaming Trees, Breeders, Lemonheads) again, who did add his typical and expected stamp to the music. The eleven songs include several small hits like 'Surely You Know', 'Nuvo', 'Start A War' and 'Secret Society'. On the other side 'Miss Congeniality' and 'Call Me Transistor' are nicely bulky and 'Common Days' is the punky counterpart. Looking at this season's weather I recommend: put the CD in the player, take off the roof of your house and dive into the green! Goodbye (on Holiday now)!" |
July |
http://www.die-bluemchentapete.de |
"Elevator Action hail from North Carolina and are Eric Gilstrap on vocals and guitar, Laurie Ruroden on bass and vocals and James Donley on the drums. Following up their debut "It's Just Addiction" "Society, Secret" is their second album. It was recorded in three separate sessions in 2005 with John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Screaming Trees, The Breeders, Lemonheads, Alice Cooper) producing. The eleven songs in 35 minutes couldn't be more diverse. Some have a lot of Pop appeal, others are really complex and have a Punk touch. The main focus is Alternative Rock and the songs deliver everything you desire. Some of the them are melodic and rock quite soft, others are really bulky and driving with emotional vocals. The band also break out into Punk with hard, breaky and strumming guitars. The melodic and harmonic vocals and the rocking hooks are some additional elements that make you hear the stamp of John Agnello. They remind me of Dinosaur Jr. and the Screaming Trees but even bands like the B52s come into my mind. This album convinces with its diversity. It is also great to hear when Elevator Action take their own style ad absurdum and do something totally different from one second to the other. Check 'Nuvo', 'Call Me Transistor' and 'Secret Society'." |
June |
http://www.dosenmusik.de |
"Frayed thread. Labeling music into genres always helps to give one a little orientation. Too bad when the only label coming up is Rock. So you have to create something on your own. That's how things are going with Elevator Action from North Carolina who did let their album "Society, Secret" get produced by John Agnello. You should know this guy because of his work for albums from bands like Dinosaur Jr, the Breeders and the Screaming Trees. These three bands are already a little hint of things to come when you listen to "Society, Secret". The best fitting label is 90s Rock, that unites Grunge elements with Indie Pop Rock and a little Punk and also dares travelling even more back into the past and add some Garage Glam and the currently quite hot retro stuff. Sounds confusing, but it isn't. It is simply rocking Indie, that brings back the glory years of this genre and does not kiss the ass of the current retro boom too much. But this still sounds bigger than it actually is. The music is okay but I miss the really huge things in here, some edges or something unique and original and charming. Their problem is not that they are neither fish nor fowl. They are fosh. They are both and so they are hard to categorise. The thread is not totally missing but it is fraying. They sound nice when the female vocals come into the game. Then they sound nastier and more alive, but the rest does not catch one's ear, no matter how much diversity the songs have. Nice album, listenable but not convincing." |
July |
http://www.BURNYOUREARS.de |
"Some of you might remember that popular 80s computer game Elevator Action. The main plot for the player was to operate elevators to receive secret documents. One of the reasons for its success beside that quite simple story was the music. And the music of the band with the same name is even way better. They did already show that with their debut in 2004 and even top this one with the new album. Elevator Action deliver a lot. Tracks like the opener 'Surely You Know' or 'Common Days' are fine Garage Pop Rock with critical lyrics what is quite an exception in this genre. The ambitious song writing – many of the songs deal with relationships – stays ambitious. Take 'Miss Congeniality' as an example. Guitarist and singer Eric Gilstrap tells about the conversation of a loving couple, the dialogue is brought across through bassist Laurie Ruroden singing some harmonies. The song itself has a Glam Punk touch that you can also find in a couple of other songs. It never gets ridiculous or exaggerated though what usually happens to Glam quite often. Thank God for the clichés (teased perm is all I say). Luckily these clichés are not serviced here. Elevator Action impress way more with their "less is more" attitude without letting the songs lose any power or energy. Take 'Start A War' that puts its focus an the guitar or 'The Pleasure's All Mine' with its dominating bass. So the songs are not too packed but neither boring. The songs get support from Gilstraps diverse voice. In 'Nuvo' it delivers pure sex. But Elevator Action also show how to make an Indie audience dance and prove that with 'Secret Society' and its wonderful energetic 4/4 beat that is covered by guitars. Absolutely danceable and a great tune for sure. The three piece delivers a beautiful follow-up album. No complaints! Listen to this with happiness. And try to catch them live. It is said that they are great on stage and also like to smash their instruments every now and then. So at least they like some clichés." |
June |
http://www.CRAZEWIRE.de |
"This elevator really is in motion. Elevator Action from North Carolina present their second album "Society, Secret" and are pretty exciting. They had to go through some crisis during the last couple of years but the bad times seem to have been a test for the three-piece. "Society, Secret" sounds really grown up. This is no wanna-be band. They have anger in their stomachs and the big gestures of Rock'n'Roll in the backs of their minds and rock through almost a dozen driving songs. The brilliant opener 'Surely You Know' is a connection between T-Rex, the Sex Pistols and The Kinks. You can singalong, there are many Sha-na-nas and fat guitars. Definitely one of the highlights of the album! It will be the only part on the record that worships the 60s. With 'Start A War' or 'The Pleasure's All Mine' the band are getting closer and closer to the presence. The three-piece mixes the Stooges, Southern Rock and David Bowie and does offer a lot of Glam and trashy chords. This works perfectly on 'Call Me Transistor'. Elevator Action deliver a more than solid Rock album. The raw production is another advantage. When you listen to the complete album you will notice some parts that are a bit tiring, but that does not stop "Society, Secret" from being highly recommended to friends of the Beatsteaks and The Hives!" |
June |
http://www.EVILIZED.DE |
"I don't have a clue what genre this might be. Retro Surf Rock anybody? This sound is really ambitious and puts its focus on guitars w/o much distortion. Very rocky and jumping into your ear right away. The album title is pretty dark but the songs sound way more positive and surprise you after you came up with some wrong expectations. Nevertheless this band sounds very congenial and is definitely doing their own thing. They do not copy the usual MTV stuff but put out something frisky and retrospective with a lot of freedom for individual ideas. The songs are not too catchy what makes them more impressive. If you are into Metal you can forget about this album. But when you like Indie sounds that add some heavy guitar playing every now and then this is something for you because Elevator Action do their thing really well. Okay, this is not the most original album in the world but especially the dusty flair of the record makes it quite unique. And the band can play! Everything is quite easy listening, no surprising breaks. But that makes the album more homogeneously and it really gets you when you are in the right mood for it. I can not say anything bad about this record and there is no reason NOT to support this band." |
June |
http://www.gaesteliste.de/ important |
"When John Agnello produces an album you can expect good quality. This guy already worked with the Screaming Trees, the Breeders and Dinosaur Jr and did prove that he has taste and is not new in this game. Now he did the new work from Elevator Action. So it is no surprise that anybody who is into the White Stripes, The Breeders, the Screaming Trees or Dinosaur Jr. should listen to this one, too. This is Indie Rock w/o any boundaries. The band is also open for 70s Rock in the Led Zepellin vein, Clash Punk and Bowie Glam! And they win with this formula. Songs like the slightly Nirvana-esque 'Nuvo', the dark 'Start A War' or the happy 'Common Days' are strong takes that miss a bit of originality but are worth a listen, esp. because of their diversity and some little surprises like the female vocals." |
June |
http://www.getaddicted.de |
"Some of these songs would work perfect on the soundtrack of "Velvet Goldmine". But this band has way more to offer than Glam. After "It's ust Addiction" the three-piece from North Carolina releases his second album "Society, Secret" now and again they were supported by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr. etc.). Many of the songs deal with the typical daily ups and downs that life has to offer. The band name leads in the right direction. And this Elevator Action also catches the listener. The elevator is stuck in the basement when the Glam touch gets too big. But that does not happen such often. If you are looking for well done Garage Pop / Rock with a touch of Glam you are well served with this record." |
June |
http://www.HANDLEMEDOWN.de |
"The 70s meet the 70s! When you thought about England when you were listening to the US American The Sammies you will think the same when you listen to their MoRisen label mates and neighbors Elevator Action. Rock meets Pop meets New Wave. "Society, Secret" is the second album of the three piece. It is dreamy Garage music with edges and melodies. Usually they act quite soft but sometimes they get louder and they seem to worship everything from Dinosaur Jr. to Mando Diao. Sometimes they exaggerate the number of retro elements but they act so fresh and tongue in cheek that no one will seriously complain. The opener 'Surely You Know' is the perfect introduction. They can not keep this quality for the complete rest of the album. But that does not matter much. "Society, Secret" wins with its mischievousness. This is a good record for your soul." |
June |
http://www.MUSIC-SCAN.de important |
"The 70s are back. Big time! We knew that before this record came out. Mando Diao etc. came first and Elevator Action follow. This already shows quite well in which direction this album is going. When you like Mando Diao you will also like Elevator Action. There are some little differences though: Elevator Action are a three-piece, that was in the studio with John Agnello and recorded eleven tracks that partially deliver melodies that go a bit out of hand. That is something Mando Diao won't do. But that does not mean that this album is done by some survivors of the hippie era. This is still a driving Rock record that wins with some well done excursions from the usual formula. Well done is for example the female voice. That adds something unique to the basic sound. Sure, they do not re-invent the wheel here and sometimes you think that you listen to a part that you heard before somewhere but that does not stop this album from being really good and absolutely recommended." |
August |
http://www.musik.TERRORVERLAG.de |
"Elevator Action is a three piece from North Carolina / USA that plays music for a couple of years and released their debut "It's Just Addiction" in 2004. Now they get album number two going and promise a wide range of Garage Pop, Glam Punk and fine songwriting skills. So it is to no surprise that the record starts quite Glam punky. 'Surely You Know' reminds me of the 70s. It is a mixture of the Sex Pistols and Gary Glitter. 'Nuvo' is a bit dirtier, esp. because of the voice of singer and guitarist Eric Gilstrap, who is bawling quite brash into his mic. 'Start A War' lets the guitar dominate a bit more. 'The Pleasure's All Mine' gives the bass of Miss Laurie Ruroden more room. 'Common Days' plays around with Fun Punk, 'Miss Congeniality' manages to bring all this together in one song, what is kinda hard because the songs usually do not last longer that three minutes. 'Don't Believe' shows great interaction of the individual instruments: No matter if it is the guitar, the bass, or the drums of James Donley, every instrument stands for itself and when you put them all together and add Gilstrap's voice (that actually reminds a bit of Axl Rose) and the sweet voice of Laurie you get a great Rock song. 'Call Me Transistor' takes us in the wild 70s again, but it sounds pretty tame though. The title track 'Secret Society' delivers the goods way better. The bass plays a nice uptempo beat, the guitar picks it up and gets good support from the drums. 'Vicious Hands' works with the effect of the two different vocal lines of the singers. It shows a bit B52s here and there and makes you dance. The record finishes with laid back Southern melodies, looks like the band can not totally hide their offspring from Charlotte / North Carolina. This is a really diverse record. By the way, it was produced by John Agnello, who did already work with bands like Dinosaur Jr, Alice Cooper, the Lemonheads and Jimmy Eat World. Also the circumstances under which the record was done are interesting. Singer Eric Gilstrap lost his voice for two whole months. Alcoholism, self mutilation and many relationship problems accompanied the recording sessions (at least they say so). But no matter what, it is fun listening to the result because the band did not get depressed over such things but put their thoughts into good rocking songs." |
May |
http://www.musikansich.de |
"This three piece from North Carolina, USA is doing nice Garage Pop. "Society, Secret" is the second album from Eric Gilstrap, Laurie Ruroden and James Donley. The eleven songs just need some 34 minutes. So expect these guys to come to the point quite fast. But this is the only complaint I have about this album that was produced by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr. etc.). The band has a fine taste for nice melodies that got covered in rocking riffs. The mix is great, too. Beside the usual rockers they also offer sound creations like 'Start A War' with a dominating mumbling guitar, strange harmonies and at the end weird, almost bluesy guitar solos. Of course the band also deliver the typical stuff like rattling Post Rock drumming and strange guitars when they fit. In no song they just rattle around with no reason and also the vocal parts are worked out really well. Sometimes it is almost screaming, then way more melodic and sometimes even harmonies (man and woman). The compositions and the playing quality are on a high level. So you get a great Rock album with eleven high quality tracks. But the next album should be a bit longer though!" |
July |
http://www.MYFANBASE.de important |
"Excuse me, what did you say, Elevator Action? Who the hell are Elevator Action? This is a question not only the average Rock fan will ask. Also die hard Indie Rock fans might never have heard from this band before. What is quite strange. Because "Society, Secret" is already the second album of the band from Charlotte, NC. And one you should have heard, too. 'Surely You Know' is the perfect beginning, a rocking e-guitar chord gives an introduction to what will follow on the complete album: Good Indie Rock with influences from 70s Punk and a bit Bubble Gum Pop. When singer Eric Gilstrap sings "Baby, I don't mind, we can take our time" accompanied by rhythmic Rock sounds, you have to move your feet right away. Your head will start shaking, too. The next song of the album, 'Nuvo' starts quiet, but this should not baffle you. The song changes into intoxicating Rock right away and it is allowed to yell! 'Start A War' is very 70s like and reminds of bands like The Clash and The Ramones. The guitar solo in the middle of the song shows that singer and guitarist Gilstrap can handle his instrument really well. Song number 4 is 'The Pleasure's all mine'. Its minor sounds remind me a bit of the White Stripes, but is no copy at all. The chorus changes from a screamed "Face to face" to some "doo doo doo"s and rocks a lot. 'Common Days' is a happy fast song. You have to listen careful to the lyrics to realise that this track is not dealing with any happy topics at all. "Every day's a sin, waking up all by myself again" sings Gilstrap but does not sound any sad at all, because the e-guitar jumps in with high volume and also the Bubble Bum Pop influences I mentioned are here now. This Pop Rock mixture is really convincing. The next songs are 'Miss Congeniality', 'Don't Believe' and 'Call Me Transistor', three solid Rock songs, which show the good mixture that Elevator Action actually deliver: Singer and guitarst Gistrap convinces with his sometimes smoky, sometimes bawling voice and his guitar solos. Bassist Laurie Ruroden delivers the deep sounds and the female voice and drummer James Donley adds the beat. The song 'Secret Society', the title seems to be the inspiration for the album's name, is racy and deals with broken hearts. But like on 'Common Days' there is not a trace of depression here, lots of guitar and bass make the song really fiery. "We are the ones with the broken hearts" sings Gilstrap together with Ruroden and you just want to sing along with them. The final tracks are 'Vicious Hands' and 'Breaking Glass Plans'. The first has a big 70s touch again, but 'Breaking Glass Plans' is slower and melancholic. After 34 minutes the pleasure of "Society, Secret" is already over. What can I say? Elevator Action deliver a great album that fans of Indie Rock and e-guitar sounds of the 70s will like. They do not copy anything, they re-animate a sound that we did not hear for far too long. And they are absolutely believable. Hopefully the name Elevator Action will really soon get other reactions than "Who are you talking about?" but an "Aaah, Elevator Action!". They absolutely deserve that!" |
June |
http://www.osnametal.de |
"The cover and song titles like 'Call Me Transistor' did scare me a bit. So I was looking at "Society, Secret" quite critical. But this is finest Indie Rock with many great ideas. This is a great mixture of Grunge, Garage, Glam-Punk and Rock. Eric Gilstrap (vocals, guitar), Laurie Ruroden (bass, vocals) and James Donley (drums) impress especially with their playing abilities. The opener 'Surely You Know' sounds very 70s influenced. The guitar riffs rock and remind of the Sex Pistols. Track 2 is a bit calmer but turns into a rough and absolutely not calm song later on. 'Start A War' reminds me of the Ramones and the guitar is more upfront now. I like that, because Gilstrap is a great guitar player. The fourth track delivers more minor chords and a more dominating bass. This diversity is found on the whole album. These Americans really grab you, the production is well done and the artwork fits well in the end. 'Breaking Glass' is the closing track. It comes across softer and melancholic. The production duties were handled by John Agnello who already worked with well-known acts like Dinosaur Jr., the Screaming Trees and the Breeders. For fans of Indie Rock and the sounds of the 70s this is really recommended." |
June |
http://www.outlawtorn.at |
"Elevator Action did choose a magic release date for the follow up of their thrilling debut "It's Just Addiction". But they are not really connected to the meaning behind 06.06.06 (6/6/6). Musically these guys are somehow from the Garage / Glam / Pop scene with their producer being famous for more noisy stuff. The album is the result of these influences coming together and is called "Society, Secret". Elevator Action put a lot of emphasis on an intoxicating sound. 'Surely You Know' is a fine Garage rocker with Pop appeal that also quotes some Post Punk. But 'Nuvo' is a bit better. It changes quick between relaxed parts and punky aggression. 'Start A War' bases on some familiar riff but manages to be a quite unique song anyway. The Glam elements shine through on 'The Pleasure's All Mine'. Here you need sunglasses to make sure you do not get blinded by the rays of coolness. 'Common Days' needs only two minutes to rock all competitors into the ground, quotes Led Zeppelin and has written "hit" all over its forehead. But the great songs follow one by one now. 'Miss Congeniality' with its impressive guitar melody is another smasher. The songs are getting a bit longer now. 'Don't Believe' even passes the four minute mark. Musically this leads to more Pop and melodies and even a short bass solo is possible. The next Glam hymn is 'Call Me Transistor', that has not only a great solo but also very impassionate vocals. The per se title track 'Secret Society' is fantastic Dance Punk again, and really screams for success. Amazingly danceable and infective the three piece shows its passion. But now it is Pop again: 'Vicious Hands' unifies Strokes harmonies with catchy elements that lead in the mainstream direction. The absolutely great finale unites Prince and Jack White and finishes this work in a great manner. When you remember that Elevator Action did not release much music so far, you have to admit that "Society, Secret" is a very grown-up piece. It is one of the very few works without ingratiation or crap songs. Instead they deliver eleven vital and diverse songs, that should get control over the Indie discos. Hopefully this band no longer stays a society secret." |
June |
http://www.pandaimonix.de |
"Elevator Action from the States play relaxed minimalist Garage Rock incl. a little Punk and some Alternative influences. The whole thing seems to sound very simple and a bit trashy on purpose. The production would deserve some more power, but the songs are great anyway. 'Nuvo', 'Miss Congeniality' or 'Don't Believe' impress me right away and are a lot fun. Great that Elevator Action focus on the most important stuff and get their hands off too long songs and stay in the three minute region. In the end that means a not very long album but that is way better than adding twenty minutes of fillers. The three piece delivers a refreshing album recommended for Alternative and Garage Rock fans when they do not mind the weak production." |
June |
http://www.POISONFREE.COM |
"This record has been released on the same label (MoRisen Records) as the Sammies records, I also reviewed for this update. And hell yeah, you can definitely see some parallels between Elevator Action and The Sammies. North Carolina´s Elevator Action play indie rock, with a strong rocking edge to it, flavoured with garage influences and sounding pretty British while doing so. The songs have some good mood swings and can get you going, if you are a sucker for such tunes, in a minimum amount of time. I can imagine this being played at the local alternative disco, next to The Clash, Franz Ferdinand, The Hives and Placebo. I don’t want to say, that Elevator Action sound like these bands, but they draw their influences from the same bands that influenced the above named. The record is kept quite diverse and every one of the tunes has its own distinct feeling to it. What rounds this record up, is the good production by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr, Screaming Trees, …)." |
June |
http://www.SELLFISH.de |
"From North Carolina comes one of the most entertaining and quickest Garage / Glam / Punk records to be seen by the public eye. Good that it also lands on my desk. And it really excites me right away. "Society, Secret" gets you deep into reference hell. Every riff, every rough vocal line, every hi-hat-noise has been heard before somewhere. But you still have to admit to the Elevator Action folks that they do not try to take credit for someone else's work. On their second album they mix up and stir the best of the White Stripes, David Bowie and Dinosaur Jr. The recording process seems to have been difficult. But after a couple of months these stubborn individuals with some alcohol and suicide problems that also found their ways into the lyrics deliver this album. 'Nuvo' is without any doubts the first highlight with its riff that rips off your pants and laughs at you. Nasty and dangerous. Minimalist but danceable. 'Common Days' jumps into a Vines suit and dances happily towards the abyss. Funny and passionate. 'Secret Society' delivers another portion of Post Punk with a guitar sound more dominating than the vocals. This should be a hit in the Indie clubs hopefully soon. The royalties would probably prevent Eric Gilstrap, Laurie Ruroden and James Donley from the next self destructive escapades. But who knows if they can do such a great album again then . . . " |
June |
http://www.SHITLETTER.tk |
"This album could be something like a good friend who does not bother much but still knows what he is doing. Elevator Action get their second album "Society, Secret" rolling now. And it is going through life as a minimalist. No big messing around. This record is elegant. The band know what they are doing and when the bio calls this Garage Glam Punk it is perfectly right. You find a lot of Pop. Man and woman deliver their fine vocals, the guitars are the tinsel around them and there is also some dirt and craziness going on. If you need your music epic and full of ear candy you are wrong here. This record sometimes sound like a bored version of Deus. But they still have little things spicing it up, like the Beach Boys guitars in 'Common Days', a quite beautiful guitar solo in 'Start A War' and a questionable drowning in that modern 4/4 modern Garage Rock jumparound beat during 'Secret Society' (what still does not stop that number from being a good song). The longer the album lasts the longer the songs get. That is great because it leaves some space for solos and changes of style and all the other good stuff. 'Nuvo' in which singer Laurie Ruroden goes crazy and does that well done reminds me of The Hole. Everything on here is well done anyway. The CD sounds like it was just done for fun, but with a lot of taste and skills behind it. The boys and the girl know what they deliver. That makes the album really congenial, though they show some attitude in between, but that might be the Glam touch they have. I heard that the band go really crazy live and stumble off stage with bloody hands and broken guitars (yeah). Beside that you think the whole time while listening to this album: cool! C'est ca. A band that deserves calling themselves band!" |
June |
http://www.spoonfork.de important |
"After listening to this album for the first time I already came up with a couple of ideas for a really slating review. But everybody should get a fair chance. And during the second listening Elevator Action drive direct in my ears and the slick façade disappears and reveals a really good impression that lasts for a long time. The strange backing vocals and guitar solos do not sound that bad anymore and some songs really turn into ear candy. Even though some write something different I do not find anything I can compare to David Bowie on here but you find another context for this album somewhere between The Killers and King Adora and some more indirect hints to Glam Rock of the early 70s. This album is still no stylistic revelation though and you can still wish them to go to hell if you like. Not everything is a matter of taste. But "Society, Secret" is." |
June |
http://www.tinnitus-mag.de |
"Action in the elevator? I don't think so. Usually elevators are frightening quiet places. People who usually do not know each other are pressed together in a small space with bad air condition and neon light and try not to look in anyone other's face to keep some small rest of privacy. Some smart folks did try to change this depressing atmosphere with some nice music being played what created the term "elevator music". The typical elevator music is the worst Muzak possible, obviously created to NOT listen to it. Music that does not hurt anybody, that calms you down, makes you feel comfortable, but is easily forgotten after you leave the elevator. So what about this idea: What would happen when the elevator DJ puts this album in the CD player? At the right volume! Obviously this would change something. Elderly or stressed ladies and gentlemen would be on the run right away. Others would probably not even get out of the elevator anymore and anxiously wait to be alone in there. Maybe there would even be secret societies, like the ones from the album title of this band, who would use their cigarette breaks for some good Rock Pop Punk in the elevator. There are some old elevators with those "let us push "stop" and have some sex in-between two stories" buttons and they would get pushed quite often then. Then you would have rocking elevators stuck between two stories, in which the suit and tie guys take off their clothes and start playing air guitar, raise their fists in the air, play the riffs, bang their heads and sing along to the really smart melodies, that Elevator Action serve in every song. And you would not get tired soon, because this bands delivers the hits! For sure the elevators would not transport people anymore. The crowds would be waiting in the lobby. And finally, when some totally desperate people would even climb the stairs the elevator door opens. And out comes the smell of sweat and a smiling spontaneous Rock star would come out of the cabin, a little embarrassed, but happy and whistling a little melody. How great that would be!" |
July |
http://www.triggerfish.de important |
"Rattling Garage Pop is what the three piece Elevator Action delivers on its second album "Society, Secret". These folks do not take themselves too serious. The backing vocals and the partly distorted voices make them sound a bit like a slower version of the Mando Diao debut "Bring 'em In" and that already was no very serious album. "Society, Secret" starts very intoxicating. The first track 'Surely You Know' seems to be born to open this record and puts some specific expectations into the listener. But the following tracks can not continue on such high level. Sure, there are more great tracks like 'Don't Believe' and 'Common Days' on this record. But the whole thing gets too tongue in cheek and retro for me after a while. They lack originality a bit but are a good band for sure. They just do not impress me over the complete running time of the album." |
June |
Radio |
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Radio Unimax |
Plays 'Secret Society' |
May |
Radio Jade |
Plays 'Don't Believe' |
June |
Radio Oldenburg 'Rotation' |
Plays 'Nuvo' 'Start A War' 'Common Days' |
June June June |