Genre/Influences: EBM, Acid.

Format: Digital, Cassette.

Background/Info: You may know Mike Smith from his Crossover Network project, but during the lockdown he set up E.L.I. “Misery Inc” already is his third mini-album, but the first one released on Tripalium Records.

Content: “Misery Inc” features 6 tracks, which mix retro-EBM and early Acid sequences. On top of the production you’ll notice ghost-like vocals’ effects. The bass lines are pure old-school EBM and now and then remind me of Front 242. The tracks have been accomplished with some string lines on top.

+ + + : Tripalium Corp has already released a few surprising productions and this is just one more you can add to the list. The fusion between EBM and acid is not exactly something common-like, but E.L.I. proves in music you can bring different influences together. I especially like the old-school EBM format, which is refreshing thanks to Acid arrangements. The ghost-like shouts accentuate the dark approach of the production.

– – – : The tracks are pretty similar –by the exception of “Rhythm 120”, which is poorly inspired. I can’t say there’s a true highlight, although there are cool songs.

Conclusion: E.L.I. is an original project using retro influences. This is a great mix between EBM and acid.

Best songs: “Freaks At Play”, “Misery Inc”, “You Wouldn’t Last A Minute”.

Rate: 7½. 

Label: www.tripaliumcorp.com / www.facebook.com/tripaliumcorp

About E.L.I.

E.L.I. is the project of Mike Smith, who also records as Crossover Network. He started E.L.I. during lockdown and works with retro-EBM and early acid sequences.

“Misery Inc.” was released on 11 May 2021 by Tripalium Corp through its Disturbed Mutant Series, in digital and cassette formats. The six tracks are “Freaks At Play”, “You Wouldn’t Last A Minute”, “Misery Inc.”, “Rythm 120”, “The Worst Is What I Deserve” and “Wishing You Weren’t Here”.

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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

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