Shortly after relocating to Athens from Oakland, CA, electro-pop duo I Come to Shanghai made both volumes of its Eternal Life series (the first album came out last year; the second one emerged this past March) available in a double-LP set. The records, as indicated by their titles, are two sides to the same coin.
Vol. 1 is a quirkier, guitar-driven affair; certain songs, like the brief “Trapped in a Dream,” present an organic version of I Come to Shanghai, complete with acoustic guitar. Vol. 2 is a headier, more synth-centered outing; it’s also moodier, featuring deeper bass overtones and more elusive melodies (though moments of playfulness abound: check out the 41-second “My Favorite Drug,” a teeny tune you’ll either dig or detest). It’s clear the band meant for the two records to represent day and night; light and dark.
Less immediately evident is what, exactly, the overarching narrative is. Eternal Life puts on unapologetic concept-album airs, but the precise concept remains elusive throughout. Still, the worthwhile collection showcases a musically talented group striving for big things—even if they’re not quite there, yet.
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