As you press play, the prologue hits you hard and it is obvious that Luke Pell, known as An Electric Heart, has a great understanding on sonics and dynamics on his new album Otiose Me.

Luke Pell describes the An Electric Heart sound as 'alternative pop'. The music is mostly electronic, with a distinctly 80's pop influence, often with double-tracked distorted guitars bringing a 'wall of sound' to the choruses. Recorded over a four year period, you can appreciate how much work has gone into this release.

What is really striking about this album is the way in which Luke approaches his sound. Having a real understanding of what makes 80's synth pop, he melds it into his own sound which in turn provides a truly powerful canvas for his vocals and lyrics to sit upon. Songs like Liquid Dream have a driving rhythm that pushes the song forward but still is able to choose the right places to have big guitars crashing in to back up melodic ideas in the vocal. And it is not just this song where you hear the exceptional showmanship and production work. Every song has so much happening yet it's all been fine tuned.

On the track Stars, an acoustic guitar takes place of driving synths to switch things up a bit. One notable mention is the fantastic vocal work from Luke which fits perfectly into this style. Even on the Fleetwood Mac cover of their track Everywhere, his range of pitch and delivery skill is on show. It was enjoyable to hear his take on this classic track.

And throughout the album, he demonstrates a keen sense of melody and harmony. Knowing when to leave space, when to harmonise… these are things you learn from spending time developing your craft and being able to draw from influences. One of the influences I hear a lot of here is from M83 due to the sonic quality of this album. Everyone will hear all sorts of 80's pop influence coming through the album which is just fantastic. I really enjoy hearing this sort of thing.

On the final track Epilogue (So Long), Luke reflects on life as an artist and its struggles. Something that all artists can relate to.

Luke has a real knack for songwriting and production. The albums flows really well with ideas developed clearly as found on every track. From subtle changes to how a synth line is played to the way the lyrics and vocals accompany the music, it all just works.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

• 
  Goodshirt @ Festival of Lights - Pukekura Park, New Plymouth - 21/12/2024
• 
  The Slacks @ Festival of Lights - Pukekura Park, New Plymouth - 21/12/2024
• 
  LOST BiRD @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024
• 
  Just Janie @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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