Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Elderbrook, Parlophone 2020.
Why Do We Shake In The Cold is the debut album from British electronic music artist Elderbrook and it is a good first up effort at the longer musical form.
Alexander Kotz, better known as Elderbrook, burst on to the scene in 2015 when he released his first EP Simmer Down which included the song How Many Times.
That song went on to became one of Mixmag’s best songs of 2015.
He signed to the main label Parlophone and so far he’s released four Eps, Simmer Down (2015), Travel Show (2015), Talking (2017), and Old Friend (2018).
Musically Elderbrook inhabits the electronic-crossover field and, while all the sounds on Why Do We Shake In The Cold have been digitally produced, the album doesn’t come across as sterile.
You mightn’t describe the sound as being analogue-warm however it is still very approachable.
He’s able to achieve this by careful selection of sound elements and intelligent use of space, a vital element that is often overlooked in electronica.
Lyrically Elderbrook explores themes of identity and especially human connection.
He has a versatile voice with an impressive vocal range.
He uses falsetto to very good effect, the songs are emotive and uplifting, providing some welcome positivity in these troubled times.
Why Do We Shake In The Cold grew on me the further I got into the album.
This is not always the case with debut albums, particularly in the electronica genre.
Elderbrook achieved this through his emphasis on providing interesting lyrical content.
The songs have a storytelling aspect to them that the listener can relate to.
I suspect that it was this element of his music that interested Parlophone, the label that famously signed the Beatles, to take him on.
It’s the strength of the songs that make this album stand out from most of the other electronica offerings.
