On-Air Review: Eli Mardock

Artist: Eli Mardock
Album: Everything Happens For The First Time
Released: August 6, 2013
Label: Paper Garden Records

Dark, mysterious, and a true master at songwriting, Eli Mardock makes a comeback with his first solo album “Everything Happens For The First Time.” The album is a clear reflection of many years of invested work to both lyrics and the music itself. The album is a perfect mixture of combined styles of music that are presented in a way that shadow Mardock’s influences, yet maintain his unique style with an amazing spirit in the way his voice carries you throughout the album.

Paving the way, “Everything Happens For The First Time” mirrors Eli’s success for his first album. As the first song and his first solo album, the song starts with a lively tune; when Mardock begins to sing, the emotion invested into his music is transmitted into one’s own and his recognizable style is immediately adopted.

In a darker way, “Theologians Tell Me” creeps into your experience. The somber music accompanied by exploding drums and gloomy electric guitar chords intertwines with a sinister piano all while morbid lyrics seem to fight a classic battle between hope and tragedy. “Theologians Tell Me” is a beautiful downhearted song that only Eli’s voice could have brought to a ghoulish life.

In a slight change of style, “Algebra and The Moon” features his wife Carrie, with whom he collaborates in other songs like “If You’re With Me, Then You’re Against Me.” Carrie’s beautiful and delicate voice carries us smoothly over the beginning of the song; when Eli’s starts his chant, the tone changes to a more up beat rhythm, while maintaing its shuddersome lyrics.

“Everything Happens For The First Time” is an emotional album that accentuates Eli Mardock’s ability to hypnotize the listener with powerful melodies and impacting lyrics. Mardock’s dedication is highlighted with his projected emotional lyrics, and is sure to make you his accomplice in the passionate album.

More information on Eli Mardock can be viewed at elimardock.com.

Reviewed by: Fernando Espinosa de los Monteros