Creating groovy yet surreal music to fall into and become fully absorbed in its swirling galaxies of sound, Elder has released Through Zero.  With indefinite instrumental soundscapes, hazy vocals, and combining heavy psych, prog, doom, and more, this album is dynamic and fits into their established discography while also being distinct by experimenting more with synthesizer and Rhodes piano resulting in a dreamier sound.  This is also the first album the band has produced and co-mixed, pouring more of themselves into this release and pushing their creativity and vision further.  It is easy to tune out the world and tune into Elder’s cosmos with this captivating album.

Through Zero opens calmly with reverberating tones akin to singing bowls before the distant sound of guitar moves forward echoing the same tones before taking over with a melody that dances up and down the scale, and drums.  Things quiet to make way for hypnotizing beats from the rhythm section on repeat before vocals are introduced.  “Sigil to Ruin” continues with these elements in various arrangements, becoming a memorizing, upbeat, and fun track.  The electronics shine on “Capture/Release” with sparkling swirling tones and a retro sounding keyboard melody while riffs soar throughout.  The title track gives a bit of a pop punk feel in its opening, reminding me of my high school days with a slow build into a high energy rocking melody.  This is one of my favorites and it is clear why this was chosen as the first single and introduction to the album.  It has a perfect ebb and flow, catchy licks, impressive riffs, and shimmers of synths. 

With so much excitement in the first half of Through Zero, it is fitting that the second half offers more serenity and atmosphere.  “Strata” is the longest on the album with a runtime of almost eleven minutes.  It is a beautiful track that flowers as it moves along, with a more prog heavy, calm opening before later bursting open with riffs and drums.  The composition is so well crafted and with it continuing to bloom as it moves along, nothing is stagnant and the length of it is unnoticed.  “Sight Unseen” is another beautiful piece that is very peaceful and meditative. With a slower tempo and gentle sounds, it unfurls pleasantly and builds cautiously.  The album ends with “Blighted Age,” a short song by Elder’s standards running just under six minutes.  It continues the vibe presented previously, remaining tranquil with echoing marching beats, a smooth flow, and an emphasis on the vocal performance. 

Elder has a stacked discography with six full-length albums, four EPs, and two live records.  I have been a fan of Elder since first hearing “Compendium” and running to Ian asking if he knew this band because I was so excited to share and was enthralled.  I am still excited to talk about Elder and Through Zero reignited that joy and is a stellar and memorable addition to their repertoire. After each song I thought to myself “oh I really like that one” and was surprised to find when the album finished that almost an hour had passed and I was fully captivated by each piece. Typically when I write reviews, I listen to the album for the first time while writing, putting my initial thoughts on the page.  This album had my hands hovering over the keyboard, staring off into space, fully immersed and not really thinking thoughts but simply grooving and enjoying.  I think we need more of that now than ever and I hope that Elder can offer an escape to others as well to just relax, enjoy, and vibe.

— Angela

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Through Zero is available now through Blues Funeral Recordings. For more information on Elder, please visit their official website.