Review: Elite Gymnastics – Ruin 1 & 2
Elite Gymnastics – Ruin 1 & 2 (2011) [Psychedelic Surf Club] // Grade: B-
Funny story. Yesterday I reviewed the wrong Elite Gymnastics album. I sat down, barked critically, through some sweat-dripping keyboard pounding (a little embellishment never hurt anyone), only to discover upon completion that I had listened to and written up an older EP that was released earlier this year. Although I had to toss the whole thing right in the trash bin, this small faux pas familiarized me with the band’s material though, and while I felt what I had heard was — and I’ll be honest — mediocre, it did help put into perspective this strong double EP that speaks to the duo’s self-awareness and experimentation.
OK, so I’ll assume you haven’t heard Elite Gymnastics (or maybe your remember this old YSBLT we did) and go ahead and tell you that this digital, double EP, Ruin 1 & 2, is their sharpest effort to date. Breakbeats pour out over electronic keyboard strokes that sound straight out of the C+C Music Factory on songs like “So Close To Paradise” and “Minneapolis Belongs To You.” Harnessing late 80′s/early 90′s Miami nightclub ambiance and mingling it with distant, indie electronica vocal stylings, the product is a fluid, chilly dance orchestration. “Omamori” and “Little Things” are more emotional and memorable than their album-mates. These songs would fit right in on a Postal Service record with their sweet, ringing vocals and simplistic beats.
But no we’re not done yet, Ruin 2 is a remixing of the tracks on the first part that cuts down the BPMs, forming a blissed-out, slow-burning candle of echoed depressiveness. This additional output really is a nice touch, flashing the group’s above-average production skills. The release is an enjoyable one and definitely has me singing another tune as far as my initial impression of Elite Gymnastics goes. For even more fun, randomize all of the tracks on both EPs, for a strangely satisfying, unpredictable playlist of alternating sweep and drag beats.
- Casper