Another great review has popped up for The Decline from our European friends! This time, the Belgian website www.rootstime.be has cast their ear over the album... Here's the best translation we could do from what Google Translate assures me is the original Dutch;
"Elvyn is a group that was founded in 1998 by the Ontario, Canada born Beerman brothers. (What's in a name?). They formed together with Jason O 'Reilly and Jeremy Knibbs rounding out the band. They were inspired by the 60's and 70's pop sound coming from sunny California. This is their third album along with an EP and an album "Ten Car Stereo" with which they already amassed some airplay on college radio stations in the U.S. and Canada.
Their biggest influences are Byrds, Beach Boys, Beatles and Big Star. From a later period: Replacements and Teenage Fanclub. The element in their sound that characterizes them is the strong vocal harmonies. Do not expect Midlake, but rather The Magic Numbers. Most of the songs were written by Ryan Beerman. Great songs that he can tinker together so that, from the first listen they nestle in your head from the first track. It's hard to choose favorites from this collection of 11 songs. Especially the first part of the disc is perfect pop.
With every listen it'll change, but the favorites right now are these: "I'll Come Back" with sparkling guitar and of course the beautiful harmonies of the brothers. But immediately afterwards there is the uptempo "Do not Leave, Do not Go" that drew inspiration from the best work of Tom Petty. The more rootsy work is apparent when you get to "The Big Bay" on an acoustic guitar where the voices and other instruments blitz. Sounds like the Flying Burrito Brothers at their best. The solid "Do not Fall In Love" will undoubtedly from an approving nod from the late Alex Chilton.
They succeed wonderfully in a love song like "Be Mine Today" (with nice harmonica playing), not to sound too silly. A bit like the Travelling Willburys at their best: near the border of kitsch, but with the taste to avoid stepping over it.
Let us say that one half of the plate plays in the Premier League, and a half in the second division. More than enough for these men to cherish and hopefully they will be picked up by the radio. It would only be fair."
Wow, thanks guys! You can check out this great website (if you're fluent in Dutch!) right here.
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