Recording: Ell V Gore

Artist: Ell V Gore

Song: unknown^*

Recorded at The Great Hall ("Long Winter – Year 2 Volume 1"), November 8, 2013.

Ell V Gore - unknown

Full review to follow. The first season of Long Winter shows developed their sensibility as they went along, but a second go-round gives a chance to plug into — and expand upon — an existing template. This time 'round, The Great Hall was even more stuffed to the gills. The main hall and conversation room stages were running in tight tandem, meaning you could (and I did!) basically watch music continuously all night long. But on top of that, there was a third stage in the restaurant, plus a full separate slate (including a live talk show) in the basement BLK BOX, to say nothing of the art interventions scattered throughout the space.

Having gotten pretty good at what they do, Elliott Jones an co. have avoided complacency by stripping things down and revamping the band's sound. Now down to a trio, the stripped-down drum kit is supplemented by machinegun drum-machine beats and a few ominous synth textures. Pulling back on some of the rock'n'roll excess gives the songs an oppressive, industrial sound — shit's gettin' ominous, so you better well dance.

^* Does anyone know the title to this one? Please leave a comment!