Electus continue to grow with every album through a sure-footed sound and strong if slightly basic song-writing.
Following on from 'Rock 'N' Roll Incarnate Part One', 'Close Encounters' is the third release from Wolverhampton-based Electus and it contains classic riffs galore.
The wailing siren intro to 'Killer Joe', which features spoken words from vocalist Russell Peake, swiftly turns into a fast-paced opus that has Peake fully flexing his vocal cords in the chorus. The single 'Soul Breaker' also builds from a soft beginning and ends up as a giant beast of a song. 'The Trial Of Man' doesn't let the tempo fall and it drips classic Metal riffery over a bed of synthesized padding that is then punctuated by Gareth Daker's fine quality guitar soloing. 'Midnight Dancer' has drummer Mick Hales pounding out a beat that stands out, but it never overpowers the rest of the band.
With a sound that is the Rock equivalent of your favourite pair of boots, the no-frills Rock riffs will keep the world's air guitarists content, but at the end of the day Electus have remained true to their core sound which has strong elements drawn from their main influences of both The Doors and The Cult. However, if it works, then why change it?
'Can't See You' has new boy Alan Mills stepping into the spotlight and illustrating his dexterity as well as skilful playing at speed on a track that's a light-hearted departure from much of the group's other material. 'Shangri La' shows how the band can lay down a classy song, and it's full of feeling and great vibes. The commercial, radio-friendly side of Electus is in full effect on the single 'Soulbreaker' and 'Boogie Man', both of which are destined to be great interactive live tracks on the road.
Electus continue to grow with every album through a sure-footed sound and strong if slightly basic song-writing. Their tracks do them proud, and they will surely gain new fans as they start to undertake more live shows in the near future.
Paul Sabin
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