"Every now and then, a superior band seems to fall through the cracks. Let me tell you, THIS BAND IS EXTRAORDINARY! With so much of todays music lacking great melodies, this CD should be in every aspiring musician's library. A lesson in songwriting and production, and a band that so many bands know about (the Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, etc.) and love. Actually, they are the band that played and wrote for Chris Cornell's solo album, Euforia Morning, If you liked that, I'll let you know that this is better! (Although no one can match Cornell's vocal ability.) Like I said, if you miss this one, your collection will be forever incomplete."
'Avantgardedog' easy expansion into maturity.
niki | philadelphia, PA | 04/26/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Every band matures, or at least every GOOD band does. Eleven is a wonderful example of this, going from the funky '80s pop crossbred with Stevie Wonder on debut 'Awake In A Dream', to a grungier-rock sound, to this smooth watery feel. Although there are no blistering standouts like the ethereal "No Ground" from 'Thunk', 'Avantgardedog' is a complete album and their best yet."Lucky One" ends in an angry burst under a minute long that could sums up oppression point blank. "What Can I Do" is a "Hey Jude" of a song, looping and larger than a song should feel, layer upon layer of lyrical fabric. "Strands of Rain" is haunting, Natasha Shneider's low mourning wake of a voice gives me the chills. "Watergun" is dramatic and dark, expansive and tight. Alain Johannes' Harrison-esque vocals shine on jaunts like "Verb" and "It's Okay."Eleven has always taken conventionality and thrown it out the window, and they do so in AGD as well. They play with a deluge of keyboard effects, digital loops, murmuring spooky wordless tracks, Eastern tinges, and sing-along style songs. I can't see them staying obscure for too much longer."
Amazingly awakened by eleven
movelife | Melb, Australia | 01/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"what can be said. Beatiful, Haunting and Brilliant. Like words painting on canvas, whenever its surrealism or abstract art, Eleven has always been creative. Ultimately this is their most complex and perfect piece of work. All of the songs shine and are crafted precisely to challenge the senses of the listener. Music would never be the same without Eleven Get this album now."
Amazingly awakened by quality music
movelife | Melb, Australia | 01/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What are the words to sum up this album. Beautiful, haunting and experimental at the same time. Words dont do justice, so a listen is the best option.Eleven has crafted their most complex piece of art-rock that paints words like surrealist brush on canvas. This music will stand the test of time, and more will be discovered on repeated listening.Along with CC's - Euphoria Morning, Avangardedog is the best album in my collection. So if you have not got it yet...GET IT Cause it might change your life.Music would never be the same without Eleven"