The debut album of the rock group “Effekts” “is a ten-song long self-therapy session, where each song reflects some personal life experiences and problems – how they are dealt with, ignored, forgotten and float back into consciousness,” this work is announced.
Basic information: the group “Effekts” consists of Ernests Hvostovoys, Viesturs Zandersons and Rihards Zeleznevs, album mix – Edvards Broders, mastering – Alberts Levits. The album has already been digitally released, but at the end of November it will also be released on vinyl under the auspices of Naba Music/Melo Records. Naba plates”, which will also be the occasion of the 22nd birthday celebration of “Radio Naba”.
Ten tracks in total, which stylistically could be described as something between indie, “darkwave“, alternative rock music and who knows what else. “Effekts” is one of, fortunately, not too many examples of how a poorly chosen name can scare away potential listeners – well, what “Effekts”?! Overcoming the nausea of choosing a band name suitable only for a dance club or a gym, it must be admitted that the music written by the trio is even more than interesting. “While writing the song “Lost generation”, we realized that the time has come for “Effekt” to write about what we had never written before, namely about ourselves, our life experiences, feelings, problems,” says Rihards Zelezniev. “Along with the real topics, the real sound also came quickly – we have transformed from representatives of the “synthwave” genre to “darkwave” and “postpunk”, keeping the elements of electronic music.”
It seems that this stylistic diversity, which can rather be described as uncertainty, is the biggest disadvantage of “Effekta” – when it seems that the guitars should be properly “fused”, the group intends to go electronic, when you have fallen into their “synthwave”, the musicians suddenly remember that they wanted to to play post-punk, “darkwave” is thrown in where it is not required, but where it would fit, it is not, etc., etc. Fortunately, everything and in all cases are saved by texts that have really succeeded. “I just wanted to be alone, but I’m lonely / I just wanted to be alone, but I’m nobody” and “I want to love myself, but it’s not my taste” (from the song “The Lost Generation”) – scary, but accurate.
To begin with, let the songs included in the album be described by the musicians themselves and their representatives. The album opens with the song “It happened recently”, which tells about the moment when a person realizes that close people are moving away and sooner or later life must continue without them. It is this piece that starts the theme of the album – it’s time to solve problems! First of all, it’s time to realize them – change something, give up something, forgive someone, apologize to someone. “Undivided Attention” is about the pain of failed love, while “Half the World Laughs” is about regaining faith in love. At the end of the album, the compositions “Saule” and “Another sleepless night” are a tribute to all the dreamers of the world and those who feel lonely.”
The best pieces are, of course, the dark “Lost Generation” in every sense, and also the album’s introduction and excellently explaining the entire record, “Tas veli nesen”, as well as the fatal “Night God” in its own moods, but its joy can be caught in even more pieces. It should be assumed that in the “live” concert in “Angār” with a proper sound blast, this product will sound “tearing the roof off”, but let’s check it.
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The Debut Album of Effekts: A Self-Therapeutic Musical Journey
So, we have “Effekts,” a rock group whose debut album is being heralded as a ten-song long self-therapy session. And let’s just say, if this is therapy, then bring me the bill! It reflects personal life experiences and personal problems that—let’s hope—are more interesting than my last visit to my dentist. Who knew grappling with life could sound so… melodic?
Meet the Band: Effekts
The band consists of Ernests Hvostovoys, Viesturs Zandersons, and Rihards Zeleznevs, with Edvards Broders mixing the album and Alberts Levits taking care of mastering. So, basically, a bunch of guys who sound like they could easily be mistaken for a Latvian law firm rather than a rock band! And lest we forget, the album has already been released digitally and will hit vinyl soon—who knew hipsters were still keeping vinyl shops alive?
Musical Stylistic Rollercoaster
Stylistically, they seem to be playing a game of ‘guess what genre we are today?’—between indie, darkwave, alternative rock, and whatever else they could think of. It’s like a buffet where everyone just piled their plate high with everything, including the mysterious ‘unknown’ dish at the back of the fridge that no one wants to touch. But they claim their music is interesting, and who are we to argue? Unless, of course, it turns out to be cringy post-punk masquerading as a therapy session, then we’ll have a problem!
The Content: Lyrical Insights
Rihards Zeleznevs claims the song “Lost generation” marks a new chapter, a moment of self-reflection that sounds suspiciously like a midlife crisis in musical form. And let’s face it, if you’re a band called “Effekts,” it’s about time you wrote something about it! The lyrics offered up are deliciously dark: “I just wanted to be alone, but I’m lonely / I just wanted to be alone, but I’m nobody.” Ah yes, who hasn’t screamed that into the void while wondering if precision therapy is covered by their insurance?
Track Breakdown
Starting with “It happened recently,” the album kicks off with a poignant realization of loss—it’s like a friend who promises to keep you entertained while you slowly sink into an existential crisis. Then we progress through themes of love, heartbreak, dreams, and sleepless nights. You’ve got the requisite emotional rollercoaster that every self-respecting rock album must have. Who knew self-awareness could be so catchy?
The Best and Worst
Now, the best bits include the deliciously dark “Lost Generation” and the intro piece “Tas veli nesen,” which neatens up the entire affair, while the “Night God” stands out for its sheer ‘fatal’ charm. One does have to wonder if the ‘Night God’ is akin to the ‘God of bad decisions’ I invoke after too many drinks on a night out. Will these songs translate into roaring, roof-raising live performances? Well, we’ll just have to find out in their concert at “Angār,” where they might finally unleash the sanity-shattering effects that their name promises—but hopefully not literally, because that would be messy.
Final Thoughts
All in all, “Effekts” delivers a curious concoction of soundscapes and lyrics that might just resonate with the lost souls meandering through life. They’ve embraced uncertainty in genre, and while it may be their biggest downfall, it certainly keeps the audience guessing. So, grab that vinyl when it drops, get ready to headbang and contemplate your life choices, and remember: when life gets too real, you can always drown it in good music—or at least some decent therapy.
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The debut album of the rock group “Effekts” is described as a profound ten-song self-therapy session, capturing the essence of personal life experiences and emotional struggles. Each track is a journey through how these challenges are faced, ignored, or ultimately resurfaced in one’s consciousness, offering a raw reflection of the human condition.
Basic information: the innovative group “Effekts” is composed of Ernests Hvostovoys, Viesturs Zandersons, and Rihards Zeleznevs, with Edvards Broders handling the album mix and Alberts Levits managing the mastering process. The album has already been digitally released and is set to hit vinyl at the end of November, all thanks to the collaborative efforts of Naba Music and Melo Records. This release coincides with the celebration of the 22nd birthday of “Radio Naba,” marking a significant milestone for the local music scene.
Ten tracks in total offer a unique sound that stylistically oscillates between indie, darkwave, alternative rock, and various other influences. “Effekts” stands as a testament to how a poorly chosen band name can lead to misconceptions, potentially deterring listeners—leaving some to ponder, what does “Effekts” even mean? Overcoming the challenge of a name that could easily be mistaken for a dance-centric project, the trio unveils music that is not just interesting, but compellingly introspective. “While writing ‘Lost Generation,’ it became clear that it was time for ‘Effekts’ to explore new territory—specifically, our own life narratives and feelings,” notes Rihards Zeleznevs. He adds, “With this shift, we quickly adopted a sound that’s transformed from ‘synthwave’ to ‘darkwave’ and ‘post-punk,’ all while retaining essential electronic elements.”
This stylistic exploration, while diversely intriguing, seems to embody the greatest challenge for “Effekts,” leading to an occasional sense of uncertainty. Just as the music appears to delve into guitar-driven territories, the band veers back into electronic landscapes; even when immersed in their synthesized sound, they seamlessly transition back to post-punk, injecting darkwave influences when least expected. Yet, amid these shifts, the lyrics shine brightly, resonating deeply with listeners. Lines such as “I just wanted to be alone, but I’m lonely / I just wanted to be alone, but I’m nobody” and “I want to love myself, but it’s not my taste” (from the song “The Lost Generation”) convey both haunting authenticity and profound relatability.
To begin with, let the songs included in the album be described by the musicians themselves. The album opens with “It Happened Recently,” a poignant reflection on the moment when one acknowledges that loved ones may be drifting away, forcing the realization that life must carry on in their absence. This track effectively sets the tone for the entire album, emphasizing the crucial need to confront and address personal issues, whether that means making changes, letting go, or seeking forgiveness. “Undivided Attention” delves into the heartache of lost love, while “Half the World Laughs” conveys a message of rediscovering faith in love again. Conclusively, the final tracks “Saule” and “Another Sleepless Night” serve as an homage to dreamers everywhere and those grappling with loneliness in their lives.
The standout tracks include the haunting “Lost Generation,” which encapsulates the essence of the album, along with its introductory track “Tas veli nesen,” which successfully provides insight into the overarching themes of the entire record. “Night God,” with its contemplative moods, is another noteworthy highlight, offering listeners a glimpse of joy amidst the emotional journey. It can be anticipated that in a live concert setting at “Angār,” the music will resonate with a powerful intensity, making for an unforgettable performance. Music enthusiasts eagerly await the chance to experience this album’s electrifying energy in person.
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Um be highlighted:
1. **It Happened Recently** – A poignant start that unveils themes of loss.
2. **Tas Veli Nesen** – The introduction that sets the tone for the album, offering a concise overview of the band’s thematic ambition.
3. **Lost Generation** – A standout track that marks a moment of self-reflection, capturing feelings of isolation and the struggle for identity.
4. **Night God** - While dark in theme, there’s an enchanting quality that pulls listeners in.
5. **Saule** – Conveys a sense of hope and a connection to universal experiences among dreamers and those feeling lonely.
6. **Another Sleepless Night** – A deep dive into restlessness, showcasing the vulnerability of human existence.
7. **(Remaining tracks not specified)** – Each likely explores additional facets of love, heartbreak, and personal growth.
Effekts’ debut album offers a unique blend of musical styles and lyrical depth, showcasing their journey through emotional landscapes. Whether through a captivating live performance at “Angār” or an introspective listen at home, the album promises to resonate with anyone navigating the complexities of life and love.
