Serj Tankian

Elasticity

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Genre: Alternative Metal.
Released: 19/03/2021
Via Alchemy Recordings

EP Review: Serj Tankian – Elasticity

System of a Down fans received their first taste of new music back in 2020 as the band released 2 songs to raise funds for the Armenia Fund. Now fans have received an EP of songs originally intended for System performed by Serj Tankian. It may not be the new album fans have been craving for over a decade however ‘Elasticity’ may be the closest thing we get. I couldn’t not share my opinions on this release so without further adieu, here is my review of Serj’s new EP.

The EP opens with the title track ‘Elasticity’ and right of the bat you get a sense of System. The use of overlapping vocal styles allows the song to feel a lot more full then it otherwise would if Serj decided to only record one vocal layer. Hearing his voice harmonise with different variants of his unique vocal style works surprisingly well. It’s a very strong start to the highly anticipated EP with the momentum transferring into the more mellow ‘Your Mom’. Featuring an infectious beat and a powerful message, It’s everything you would expect from Serj. If you’re not a fan of very politically driven music, this EP is clearly not for you (You should have already known that though…). 

Following on from that is ‘How Many Times’ which is the first song that has a vast change in style. With a similar vibe to songs like ‘Lost In Hollywood’, this is a great example of just how good Serj’s vocal prowess is. He has such a wide vocal range that is always mesmerizing to listen to in these more melodic driven songs. The changes from soothing piano to distorted guitar allow for a great dynamic contrast that fits the story of the song nicely. This same level of contrast can also be found in ‘Rumi’. Starting with Serj singing softly over a piano instrumental before the riffs and percussion comes flooding in and out leaves the song in a constant state of the unknown.  During the heavier sections, the drumming is top class and will have you headbanging along without question. ‘Rumi’ is a very unique song but Serj always performs best on these stranger concoctions of music. 

The final song probably feels the most like a System of a Down release. ‘Electric Yerevan’ features the classic chugging riffs and contrasting harmonics that fill 90% of System songs and I’m here for it! Everything falls into place nicely and I can’t help but wish this was actually recorded by the band. The song is an incredible display of all things System and it is by far the best song on the record. 

Serj promised an EP that would have the SOAD sound and he delivered in a big way! There isn’t a weak song to be heard on this EP and there is definitely not a lack of politically driven meaning. I highly recommend this to anyone who has ever listened to System, even if you’ve only ever heard ‘Chop Suey’. An awesome EP that has left me wanting System of a Down to hurry up and release a new album even more!