Sometimes, you’re on Slack talking to some of the other writers on the site, and an idea springs forth. Usually, it’s just general BS about comic book movies and the like, but like a diamond in the rough, something fun comes of it. It’s because of those moments that this review even exists. As the story goes, Aaron Cooper was trying to get out of a funk. To do that, a challenge was posed.
Listen to the new Rob Zombie album and write a live reaction of what you’re hearing
And, just like that, a new site feature was born: the live review. I took it a step further. Let’s make it a challenge. The person who has to write the reaction gets to pick the next victim and the music they have to focus on. Of course, that also meant I was officially next on the chopping block. My album?
Serj Tankian, Elasticity
If you’re a regular to the site, then you probably know I focus predominantly on ska music. I listen to other things of course, but ska is my favorite. Admittedly, listening to Elasticity takes me out of my comfort zone. I know who Serj Tankian is. I know he’s in System of a Down. I know three of their songs. That’s the extent. So, before we get rolling here, I apologize to any die hards or purists who may have stumbled on this review.
Alright, I think that’s a clear enough disclaimer. Let’s get this show on the road!
“Elasticity”
The song starts with some cool synthesizer beats that morph into a hook that would fit well on a Smashing Pumpkins album – especially the later ones where Billy played with synthesizers all the time. I was too busy listening to the music to pay attention to the lyrics, but some of it sounded like straight gibberish. The last third of the song switches tempo for a beat, before increasing the intensity. You get the almost operatic vocals I know from those three SOAD songs, some screams, and the gibberish. Overall, the song is dynamic and fun to listen to. It kept my attention, so that’s good!
“Your Mom”
“Extremism dressed like your mom.” That’s all I have to say about this song. Actually, that’s not true. First few seconds makes me feel like an old ’80s ballad, but it almost immediately changes up to a more funk/punk/electronic hybrid. It’s definitely a song speaking out about extremism and terrorism. The song is instantly engaging, and using the “your mom” refrain throughout the song keeps it catchy. I really dig protest songs, so as soon as I picked up on what Serj Tankian was up to on this one, I immediately perked up a bit more.
The only thing that really rubbed me the wrong way with the song was Tankian’s liberal use of the word “retarded.” I get what he was trying to say, but someone who’s been a lyricist for so long can come up with a more impactful way to express his thoughts. Hearing that word will be an immediate turnoff for some folks, and it will dull the true meaning of the song.
“How Many Times?”
Strings and pianos. Melodic singing. Then, a change of intensity about 90 seconds in. Then back to pianos. Catching some Faith No More vibes ala “Epic.” To be completely honest. This one didn’t catch me. After how interesting the first two tracks were, I was ready for another interesting track, but this one was just … there.
“Rumi”
I thought we were about to get another piano ballad. The first minute of this song was just Serj and a piano singing a tribute to his son Rumi. It picks up a little bit after that, but stays pretty even keel throughout. The song is a love letter to his son, as well as advice as he grows up. Great message. Feelgood song. I can always appreciate a good tribute power ballad, even though I’d likely skip them upon a second listen. It was nice to listen too once, and if I were Rumi, I’d be totally stoked my Dad wrote a song about me. I don’t need to hear it again though. I’ll just listen to “Your Mom” again instead.
“Electric Yerevan”
With a name like “Electric Yerevan,” I was going to be pretty upset if electronica was missing from this song, but Serj didn’t disappoint. The song starts off with some electronic beats immediately. If you listen carefully, you can hear it in the background during the whole song. The guitars are heavy here too, which fit the tone well. At its heart, “Electric Yerevan” is another protest song. Tankian is calling out more abuses of power against regular citizens. This one isn’t as in your face as “Your Mom,” but the meaning is still there. I think of all the songs on the EP, this one sounds the most like a System of a Down song (based on my experience of knowing what three of them sound like).
Who said you can’t teach a ska kid new tricks? Without this challenge, I honestly would’ve never listened to Serj Tankian’s Elasticity. While I’ll likely not listen to it again in full, I will definitely go back to “Your Mom” from time to time. Even though I disagree with some of his word choices, it’s memorable, and speaks out against the horrors of terrorism. In a way, using the “Your Mom” insult in the song emasculates terrorists and takes away their “power,” so I’m all for that.
I reckon Serj Tankian fans and System of a Down fans will enjoy the whole EP, but when it all boils down to it, I’m only a fan of “Your Mom.”