ELITA – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT & “DYSANIA” – ALBUM REVIEW

By Ralph Beauchamp

Elita is a sensuous three piece who have recently released their dystopian debut album entitled Dysania via Opposition. Hailing from Newfoundland, the band couples a ferociously impassioned imagery with ominously macabre lyrics. Elita fosters a dark and menacing soundscape that delivers a sinister atmosphere while the music remains inventive and intriguing. The group is comprised by the lascivious Elita Harkov (Vocals), Tim Rypien (Guitar/Keyboard) and John Eddy (Guitar/Slide). Harkov harbors a voice that is both tantalizing and mysterious.

The songwriting on Dysania is melodic yet brazenly original. This is a stunning release. Not only is the musical style audacious but also there is an alluring foreboding tone which permeates throughout. Every track is an explosive volley of sonic intensity. All through the record Harkov’s angelic voice contrasts brilliantly with the sinister subject matter. Elita‘s songs are dark and malevolent yet Harkov’s airy vocals transcend which allows the listener an escape valve. Her radiant voice is haunting and totally singular. In addition, the song arrangements are so extraordinary that they award each track its own flavor.

Dysania opens with “Serial Killer” which offers an insight into the mind of a mass murderer. The light orchestration is a perfect foil for the disquieting lyrics. Harkov’s word are cinematically dismal yet you are caught up in the songs simple rhythms. She croons:

Be good and open wide

Come on let’s go for a ride

I wanna see your insides

I’ll seek and you can hide

They’ll know my name worldwide

I don’t give a fuck about you

I don’t give a fuck about who you used to know

Dismal words that are saved by Elita‘s engaging musical cadence.

“Mentally Not Here” follows and the tone is harder and heavier. The guitars and synths are hauntingly dense. Harkov’s voice is sublime with light accents that clearly accentuates the dichotomy. “Sleep Paralysis” is dreamlike with lush textures and spacey vocals. “It’s A Joke” runs on the pop/punk vein. Speaking of the song Rypien states:

“Johnny and I were trying to make a mock-rock version of Aqua. Elita’s soft and sarcastic vocals are a perfect fit for the song’s abrasiveness. My lyrics are about resisting intrusive thoughts.”

Harkov adds;

“For some reason “C’est une blague” always pops in my head. Which means “It’s a joke” in French. I think it came from learning it in school, but I always liked it. When I heard the instrumental, it was so harsh, so I thought it’d be funny to sing super soft in French. I just think people take things too seriously.”

Another highlight on Dysania is the flighty, “She Bangs Like a Fairy On Acid”. The music is lofty with exotic synths and a psychedelic vibe. The entire songs has a supernatural feel. Once again, Harkov’s vocals are divinely edgy and mesmerizing. All the other tracks on the album are just as absorbing. Elita has crafted a superior piece of art that combines both heaven and hell.

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To learn more about Elita, check out their Website

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Stream music: Spotify  / Apple Music

Purchase: Amazon 

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