80s synth-pop smashed with experimental sci-fi indie rock is about the best I can explain The Electric Grandmother these days to anyone who asks.
Taking their duo to a conceptional level higher than their last release, Cancelled that literally surrounded a man losing his mind over an axed sitcom, Relaunch is the most unique release I’ve heard these two drop to date.
Residing in Washington DC, and originally staking claim to fame in Columbus, OH, the high-level 411 on The Electric Grandmother is a husband/wife duo who have taken their love for each other and televised entertainment and put their own twist into it musically. Sitcom Core pretty much was their lovechild, but with time comes maturity and they really are beyond what they once created.
I could sit here and tell you how much Pete and Mary Alice mean to me, but I’ll save that. Instead, I would like to remind them the time I showed up at their wedding reception first if I am not mistaken and they both ran to me, excited to see someone on their level that wasn’t a family member asking over and over when they were going to start a family and talk about their lost cat or bridge mix.
What am I getting at you ask?
I was there for them then, and I still am today.
I write this review not because they asked me to check it out, but as a fan of a band that really has seemingly taken gimmicks to levels that almost carry on hidden meaning.
Case and point, Relaunch, is about Ronald Regan getting kidnapped, but surrounds the crew that came together to find and hopefully bring him back to safety. It’s a silly, serious escapade into another dimension with room for one more to enjoy the trip.
“The Kidnapping of Ronald Reagan” set up the story with Mary Alice’s ever so sweet singing followed up with her main squeeze’s melodica infused singing. Not going to lie, I just sat here and marveled at how great this track sounded while hanging on for the ride.
Classic, crass sounding “Nancy Reagan” followed with plenty of poo and butt jokes including Mr. T’s lap. I’d expect nothing less seeing how much these two shouldn’t always be taken seriously.
“Relaunch” could have been mistaken for Chemical Brothers at the start with the instrumentals. Seriously, this track ruled so much that i had to listen to it a second time once it ended. Clearly this track fueled the journey to space to find the president.
Even rescue astronauts need a distraction as proved in “Shuttle Dance Night”. The samples were great, but the singing as provided by Pete and Mary Alice was far more intriguing. Plenty of 80s references reside on this track all sampled perfectly.
“Stand For The Air Demon” carried beats like none other. The end dropped with an almost Orson Welles monolog that drifted into silence only to be picked up and amplified in “Nine Miles To The Water”.
The only problem with “Two Mummies” is that someone missed the opportunity to toss a freestyle over it. I suppose there’s always a chance of the Relaunch Remix.
This is where I stop talking about the album because really do not want to ruin it for anyone. If you’ve found yourself interested in this crazy tale, then it is up to you to check out the album to find out the conclusion.
As for The Electric Grandmother, they’ve once again wowed me with originality, but impressed me with how much further they have taken their talents music-wise. They have not lost their charm, but at the same time are showcasing their true worth. Never quit you two.
Available on Bandcamp, the band is taking proceeds from this album and donating to their favorite DC hangout spot, Slash Run.