El Ten Eleven is the Los Angeles-based instrumental post-rock duo of Kristian Dunn and Tim Fogarty, known for their heavy use of loop pedal-effected guitars over electric and acoustic percussion. Any design nerds among us may recognize their music from the documentaries Helvetica, Objectified, and Urbanized. Their self-titled debut was originally self-released in 2004, but later reissued through Bar/None Records in 2005. The record was highly praised, often drawing sonic comparisons to artists such as Sigur Ros - a bit of a feat for a group with only two members. Their live performances were equally praised, with the band’s refusal to use pre-recorded parts or click tracks making each show a unique challenge. The overall vibe is similar to a stripped-down Tortoise, or Godspeed You Black Emperor! with less angst and drones. “My Only Swerving” is skittering guitar washes and layers of intricate string interplay. “Lorge” features warped synth tones over gentle snares, one of the more melodic moments here. “Thinking Loudly” is a slow-burner, nearly ambient on first listen, but revealing a neatly satisfying structure on a deeper interrogation. This 15th Anniversary reissue arrives pressed on amber colored vinyl in a gatefold sleeve and is limited to 1000 copies. Also includes a flexi-disc with a bonus track and digital download.

• amber colored vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• includes flexi-disc with bonus track 
• digital download included
• limited to 1000 copies
• music label: Joyful Noise Recordings 2019

reviewed by BOEING 727 09/2019