‘Electro-rock’ is a label that’s tossed around a lot. If you throw a couple live instruments over some electronica grooves, then you fall into the category by default. By the same token, if you’re a punk band that mixes in a few synthesizers and effects, you also fall into that category. So what exactly is electro-rock? Whatever it is, El Ten Eleven embodies it. These Promises Are Being Videotaped is an instrumental album that takes the listener on a tripped out ride to that ethereal grey area between the genres. The blend is seamless, and through the use of acoustic and electronic drums, a plethora of effects pedals, and of course, a synthesizer, the duo of Kristian Dunn and Tim Fogarty create a dazzling palette of electronic sound. Their brand of electro-rock is a sound that truly can’t be classified in either of the two parent genres. Dunn’s guitar work is impeccable, and his affinity for the fretless bass shows a clever playfulness that adds a bit of funk to El Ten Eleven’s potent brew. A good example is on ‘Fat Gym Riot,’ where Dunn’s slow-rumbling bass groove melds perfectly with the buzzing electronic bass of the track’s breakdown. And yes, many of the other songs on the album also have goofy names, even though there are only 8 of them, one of which is an intriguingly dark cover of Radiohead’s ‘Paranoid Android.’ The album only clocks in at 27:45, which is about average for them, but still a little short for my taste. It will be interesting to see what El Ten Eleven can cook up next.

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