Words: Ryan Getz

Eliot Sumner you may not know, but you know their dad, Sting. The new wave singer doesn’t identify as any particular gender, so if you have any questions about our use of pronouns in this review – there it is.

In the age where gender and lack thereof are hot button issues of conversation, I ask that you not let this distract you from the music. Indeed, Sumner’s experiences in this area undoubtedly play into their songwriting, but I find that if I focus too much on this portion of Eliot’s identity I don’t take in the music as much.

I’ve definitely harbored a bias in favor of vibe-y music in the past couple of years, but I haven’t found something that accomplishes the new wave sound this well until now. The title track “Information” is a seven minute epic journey with swelling synths and massive drumming sure to keep entire rooms, no matter the size, grooving.

The record excels at catchy, but not contrived melodies – in both the choruses and in the synth melodies. “After Dark” is a good example of this, where Sumner’s vocals recall Young the Giant. Recall, but do not imitate. The subtle buildup before the final chorus is effective yet not huge. “Halfway to Hell” builds up the angst a bit while staying squarely in the field of new wave rock. The guitar riff-age sounds like a relative of a couple of Muse singles – namely “Uprising” and “Psycho.”

“Firewood” takes us down a slightly more lighthearted, whimsical path. “Everyone needs a comforter for all the wreckage kept inside” Sumner muses early on in the song. Steps to lighten the mood don’t necessarily have to be spoken, and this song shows that.

“Species” goes down a darker path – taking influences from downtempo artists in its groove. “I’m not sure about the species” is a refrain we hear amongst the contemplative mood the song conveys. Here, the topic of gender identity is impossible to ignore, though my sentiments on Sumner being more than a lyrical one-trick pony remains the same.

Information is an intriguing album that emerges in an environment ripe to receive such a product. I’m glad I gave it a chance.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/154887312″ /]

Score: 3.9/5

Eliot Sumner: Facebook | iTunes