Finding out any relevant information about the one-man band General Elektriks proved nearly impossible. Not because he’s particularly quiet or reclusive, but because he does little in English that isn’t related directly to his music. After attempting, unsuccessfully, to use translating websites to read interviews and other materials, I surrendered. With almost no knowledge of General Elektriks other than his French origin, the next logical step was simply to listen to the music. Surprisingly enough, the newest General Elektriks record, Good City For Dreamers, managed to confuse me mainly because of its electronic genre listing. I assumed I’d be listening to a band that had a similar style to some other French electronic groups, such as Daft Punk or Air. Yet General Elektriks is much different in his style and influences. While there are electronic tools involved, this is a musician who can credit artists like The Beatles and David Bowie as influences, as well as jazz and blues artists like Stevie Wonder and Sly Stone. The end result is a unique one. A soothing, smooth, and ear-catching album left me impressed with Harvé Salters and his musicianship. It’s perfect for those who could take an hour (really, closer to fifty minutes) to relax. Good City For Dreamers is a solid second effort from General Elektriks.
Naming and describing every track on this album is pointless because of how smoothly each track flows into the next. The entire hour can go by without a listener realizing that the first song became the second and so on. Yet, given a careful listen, several songs do stand out, and those are the tracks worth focusing on. The first notable song, “Raid the Radio” is a track that opens with a slow guitar riff and whistling. A song about being tired of terrible songs, the second track on Good City for Dreamers is passionate and full of angst, though still light in its mood. “Helicopter” definitely stands out, mostly because of its strangeness. Within a short amount of time you’ll see just how catchy “Helicopter” is. Its upbeat, danceable music makes it one of the most enjoyable parts of the album. The rest of the most ear-catching moments on this record take place later in the album, such as the tenth song, “Mirabelle Pockets.” This track opens with an infectious and unrelenting piano melody. “Bloodshot Eyes” has a smooth, slow-dance quality to it. If you’re someone who needs to sample songs from an album before committing to it, these are the songs to check out first. However, this album is one best listened to in full.
Many will let an album go by if it’s missing a few phenomenal tracks. If you’re a member of that group, Good City For Dreamers is not the album for you. While it may grab your attention only rarely throughout the album, the flow of the record is its own reward. Some musicians prefer not to be loud or in your face with their style and attitude, and instead draw attention with subtlety. General Elektriks has produced music that will fit in well with the time you spend working or relaxing, as background noise or the only sound in the room. Instead of bobbing your head fiercely, Good City For Dreamers will let you keep your neck upright, your eyes closed, and the rest of you calm and satisfied with a nice musical experience. While the next General Elektriks album may more gripping and more polished, the sophomore effort is certainly worth your time.
Track List:
1. Take Back The Instant (3:27)
2. Raid the Radio (3:49)
3. You Don't Listen (4:27)
4. Helicopter (3:17)
5. Cottons of Inertia (4:48)
6. Little Lady (4:59)
7. Engine Kickin' In (5:09)
8. David Lynch Moments (3:03)
9. Gathering All the Lost Loves (2:48)
10. Mirabelle Pockets (2:17)
11. La Nuit Des Ephémères (4:22)
12. Bloodshot Eyes (3:07)
13. Rebel Sun (5:04)
