The Elected's debut album,
Me First, is the sunny rays of Los Angeles by the way of Nebraskan solitude. While it may be a kind album on the surface, issues of faded childhood dreams and memories and disappointments of the family line allow self-indulgence to be OK. In fact, it's well overdue for those overachieving people-pleasers who feel defeated, yet hold a spark for a smile.
Rilo Kiley multi-instrumentalists
Blake Sennett and
Jason Boesel are playful throughout the quirky storylines of
Me First, and both seem more confident in embracing their love for country music.
Rilo Kiley's second album,
The Execution of All Things, had a difficult time deciding its country fate; however, the Elected use it sparingly ("Waves") with electronic bits, and avoid
Rilo Kiley comparisons in the process. A soft harmonica on the hushing waltz "Greetings in Braille" sets the haunting tone of
Me First. Backing vocals and a rousing chorus by
Azure Ray's
Orenda Fink and fellow
Rilo Kiley bandmate
Jenny Lewis offer an icy love disposition on "Don't Blow It," whereas a woozy mix of a piano and woodwinds on the carnivalesque "Don't Get Your Hopes Up" is much more evident of the Elected's refined sense of humor on
Me First. The album is deserving of the attention of any
Rilo Kiley fan, for
Sennett and
Boesel's pop design is interesting and far from sounding predictable.
Sennett establishes himself as an artist with immense talent.
Me First naturally speaks for itself. ~ MacKenzie Wilson