Matt Berninger and Brent Knopf are two friends who have wanted to make music together for years. It just didn't happen. Both gentlemen were busy with other groups, The National and Ramona Falls respectively. Especially The National is a popular band, so many people are unquestionably curious about this side project. EL VY sounds a lot lighter than The National. The lyrics, by Berninger's hand, are
… dark, but in this group Brent Knopf in particular seems to set the lines. Nothing wrong with that, because the opening song (and title track) immediately sounds like The Smiths in a very funky mood. Need A Friend, with its prominent bass line, is also a great song. National fans who fear it will all be very light-hearted are contradicted by Matt Berninger. "The lyrics on this album are the most personal I have written so far," said the singer. (PdK)more
