Say Hi

The Wishes and the Glitch (Euphobia)

If cinema’s “mumblecore” had a musical equivalent, Eric Elbogen would be among its pioneers. Say Hi to Your Mom’s first four albums cataloged, as their titles aptly conveyed, moping blahs of mumbled disco sadness, Elbogen’s lo-fi electro-pop producing lovable geek anthems of androids and vampires cut with cleverness and genuine emotion. With his fifth effort, however, Elbogen has crafted his best work. His vocals take on a range previously unshown, muttering lethargically still but reaching with an effective swell on the oddly U2-sounding opener “Northwestern Girls.” The drowsy pulse of “Shakes Her Shoulders” moves like a bedroom version of the Faint’s “Worked Up So Sexual,” while guitars break against the synth of “Back Before We Were Brittle.” Mon Frere’s Nouela Johnston adds a welcome vocal touch, and although Elbogen downplays the thematic eccentricities, his quirky vision remains uncompromised on hand-clapper “Zero to Love” and girl-gamer ode “Bluetime.” (Friday, March 14, Red Eyed Fly, 11pm.)

***.5

This article appears in March 14 • 2008.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.