Art d’Ecco - “Head Rush”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 6 

Pairs Well With… New Order, Iggy Pop, David Bowie

Art d’Ecco turns even more strongly towards Bowie-esque glam rock in his new album, In Standard Definition. While taking its style from the 80s, the album resonates with current indie/alternative sounds as well. “Head Rush” is one of the most inventive and polished tracks. It starts with a blast of horns and continues with power guitar chords and percussion. While not cutting new ground per se, “I Am the Dance Floor” is slinky, and yes, danceable disco, featuring deep bass lines and seductive synth rhythms. But the album is more than just fun throwback, glam rock jams. It’s a concept album, taking on the celebrity cult of personality. Check out “TV God” in this regard. Hopefully, Art d’Ecco will not neglect his Trespasser album which preceded the pandemic. From that album OEB is jones-ing for the playful industrial new wave, “I’ll Never Give You Up,” which was our featured track for 2020. (David Zlotnick)

2020 Review: Art d’Ecco plays what we’d like to call “industrial art rock,” but apparently, Google does not think that is a thing yet. There are elements synth-pop, new wave, psych-pop, and glam-rock wrapped up in what alternately sounds like a nostalgic 80’s dance party or the hung-over recriminations in the aftermath of a night at Studio 54 in minor keys. To our ear, the stand-out track on their diverse album Trespasser is “I’ll Never Give You Up,” with its steady drum machine beat, alternating plinking and echoing synths lines, and a somewhat mindless but catchy 80’s-esque’s chorus – “There’s something about you, when I’m around you”. “Never Tell” is also strong, featuring stuttering, tense vocals and synth lines with a terrific saxophone solo and a piano interlude at different points in the song.