'I Can’t Find My Head': Elo Elo’s Experimental Debut Project Glitters Like All That’s Gold
elo elo is the freshly minted moniker of this gifted musician (Credit: Raphael Ong)
For those intimately familiar with Singapore’s indie/underground music scene, Tang Hui Jun is likely a recognisable name, having been part of beloved bands like math rock quartet cues and shoegaze ensemble Cosmic Child. This multifaceted musician has since stepped into her own with her solo project, elo elo, releasing her debut record I Can’t Find My Head with Indonesia’s Kolibri Records.
And, this record is a revelation. Kaleidoscopic and shimmery, I Can’t Find My Head is an aural collage with shades of electronica, folk, dream and synth pop, noise, shoegaze, and more. Even though this record pulls from a myriad of genres, it’s a perfectly stitched mess that’s intricately and intentionally layered on every bar. It all works without feeling bloated: different sonic elements take their turn to step into the spotlight with subtle dips and rushing sweeps—whether it’s the flittering synths and repeated guitar refrains of the impossibly catchy title track, or the sinister skittering beats of “Itsy Bitsy Spider”. Some tracks are more straightforward, like the noisy shoegaze-y “shimmerboy”, or the cinematic “sundough”. The through-line of the record is elo elo’s ethereal vocals exhaled like wistful sighs, threaded through in each song.
It’s hard to place a finger on the sweeping vistas of elo elo’s wandering sound (Credit: Raphael Ong)
What really stands out are the production choices of this record. Produced by Isa Ong (Pleasantry, Amateur Takes Control, sub:shaman, Claude Glass), the record presents a very “live” sound—not in a way where it sounds raw or unpolished, but rather the ability to hear the instrument being played in every pluck of the guitar and every pressed key of the piano. You can almost hear the room, and the choice to keep the sound of the record so alive creates an immediate sense of intimacy. This is no more so obvious than on tracks like “Salmon Skies” or “sundough”, the latter being a beautiful, piano-forward song which lilts with the ebb and flow of tides. Being able to hear the room adds a warmth and depth to the whole record, a sound that cannot be found in cold and pristine, track-by-track studio recordings.
elo elo’s musicianship and genuine artistic voice comes through in each melody and musical accent. Yet, craft aside, the earnest expression of her lived experiences is what makes this record truly shine. It’s a shame that the EP only spans a short seven tracks at 23 minutes long. There’s not a local record quite like this in recent memory, and hopefully this is a taste of more to come.
(Credit: Raphael Ong)
Listen to I Can’t Find My Head by elo elo on Spotify. Follow elo elo on socials to stay connected.
This contributor feature was written by Sara Lau.
Sara Lau is an arts lover, caffeine addict, and serial procrastinator. She has written for platforms such as Art & Market and Esplanade Offstage, and is currently focused on honing her skills in writing about music.
