Elite Gymnastics :: Ruin 1

Minneapolis duo Elite Gymnastics self-released one of my favorite EPs last year in Real Friends. The sound, at first listen, is fairly typical of a contemporary electronic-based artist: samples, drum machines, synthesizers, hushed and effected-vocals. But there's always little touches that hook me: the ferocious bass and sped up vocals on "Is This One Me," the unquestionably 90s vibe on "If U Love Me," the cheesy drum solo in "Real Friends." There's also something endearing about a talented band that never takes itself seriously (see the Real Friends cover art). On the group's 5th release off their own Psychedelic Surf Club digital imprint, Elite Gymnastics have put together another handful of psychedelic nuggets of the chill/beach/coastal variety that rocketed similar artists like Washed Out and Toro Y Moi into promising careers. "Omamori" is one of the band's most promising tracks to date with the vocals taking a rare turn as the most important instrument, sitting atop gurgling bassy synths, a light keyboard, and a hammering snare drum.

Download Ruin 1 completely free here.

Elite Gymnastics - "Omamori" (from Ruin 1)
Elite Gymnastics - "Minneapolis Belongs To You" (from Ruin 1)