ELVIS DEPRESSEDLY - Depressedelica LP (Neon Purple Vinyl)

Label: Run For Cover

Depressedelica is Mathew Lee Cothran’s second full-length album under the moniker Elvis Depressedly. It is simply put, is an artful collection that gravitates around that feeling of not-being-okay. Although each track can be characterized under labels such as electronic, psychedelic and lo-fi pop, there’s a distinct personality to this sound that can’t really be nailed into one umbrella. Unconventional structures and textures can be heard throughout, ranging from industrial noises to synthesized beastly howls, undoubtedly the result of deep experimentation.

There’s liberal use of the vocoder to mask Cothran’s voice, which can be read as a character hiding behind a mask, suppressing emotion. Although most of the overall mood is gloomy and dispirited, there’s a romantic undertone that can be heard in small details, found in cheerful harmonies and instrument choices, evoking a feeling of bittersweet acceptance to not being quite okay. There’s a tinge of acceptance with every positive note — scarce as they may be — that suggests that things are not okay sometimes, and that’s just how life is.