Elite Gymnastics – Ruin 1 review

Why would the category on iTunes for Elite Gymnastics’ Ruin 1 be titled Metal Slime? I’m not a fan of that label, but I am a fan of the music, which is more appropriately referred to as K-pop and that label is more like it for the latest EG album on Acéphale Records.

The opening track threw me off about what I would expect from Ruin 1, an album without lyrics, solely creative instrumentals and interesting sound effects.

The songs are multilayered, but the music is not messy or sloppy. Ever heard of the book titled Absolutely Normal Chaos? Ruin 1 is the musical version of that.

“omamori” has a kickin’ back beat,  a strong ‘80s nostalgia progression. I want to play this song in my car and feel the shadows of the trees pass over my windshield, let the sunroof up and the hair down. Mid song some of the layers are turned down from the main sound (the main sound that you’re already terribly into) leaving the twinkly piano construction that you may not have picked up on before – it’s like a teaser-breakdown and then you’re lead  back into the main sound. The transition is seamless and clever.

Elite vocals have an echoey appeal. They are soft and wispy without being too weak. There’s a slight house music theme going on in some tracks, but less harsh than post ’80s house. That could be a result of the vocals partly – Ruin 1 isn’t annoying and doesn’t feature pointless, repetitive hooks or choruses. The ’80s feel still stands (I’ve got “omamori” and “little things” in mind).

It wouldn’t be a crime to play the crap out of Ruin 1. It’s creative, weightless and well put together.