"Elevation" Not A Creative High Point For Erasure

You're not likely to confuse '80s-bred synth duo Erasure's brand new single "Elevation" with its heyday tunes "Chains of Love" or "A Little Respect". "Elevation" gives you somewhat of a diet cola light version of those gems. Is "Elevation" bracing in its cosmopolitan allure? It can be seen and heard as such. The arrangements won't blast listeners with an overabundance of cutesy studio wizardry. If "Elevation" was a bath water temperature I'd surmise tepid is the ideal adjective. This single is content to stay hung up on one key range. It's true you can dance but that might be the lone saving grace here. Andy Bell has maintained his level of vocal greatness. Shame it isn't in service of superior product. The synth beats aren't unchained to embody a ferocious persona as was the case with "Chains of Love" and "A Little Respect". "Elevation commands a tighter leash. "Elevation commands a tighter leash. Andy manages to work in a socio-politcal angle with his claim, at this point in history one shared by many that the fate of many is guided by the hands of a few. Working to the twosome's disadvantage is a chorus "The love gets higher" that's repetitious in spades. I know earwig status is key in helping a song to stay memorable long after the listener has moved on to other things but towards the end this chorus grows progressively less inviting. Its heart may be in the right place but it grows borderline nagging the longer you listen to it. One can attribute the clash in synth expression to the prevailing ethos of the times, those times being the '80s but there's precious little kinetic energy generated from "Elevation" Love is growing stronger by the day in Erasure's world. Vince and Andy want you to know about it with everything they've got. "Chains of Love" came right at you from the outset. "A Little Respect" lingered in your bean, Vince's pleading manner holding sway. "Elevation" holds back and that's not a good sign for the record company, the band, or the fans expecting to be swept off their feet. I'm willing to bet today's music listeners won't know what to do with these guys. Square pegs in decidedly round holes. "The Violet Flame" generated this song. Personally the album title whets my whistle in larger measure. Thumbs up for Erasure maintaining career longevity but chart love won't be forthcoming because "Elevation" doesn't send us to heights of aural ecstasy.