Album Review: Elliott Wheeler - The Long Time

Elliott Wheeler is a classically trained composer and producer who's been chilling with Jay Z and Lana Del Rey recording The Great Gatsby soundtrack, and now has emerged with a suitably cinematic, orchestrated and dark solo debut six years in the making.

Wheeler's gentle falsetto vocals decorate a handful of tracks, accompanying the slick electronic production on Crystal Love, reminiscent of Antony & The Johnsons, while a collection of charming guest female vocalists grace the remaining tracks. It's ingenious how Wheeler can add the shake of one tiny instrument and altogether change the vibe of a song, like the hint of country added by the tambourine in Shiver, which features Melodie Nelson.

The Long Time is a rounded and complete effort compiled from the flowing and orchestral influence of Wheeler's experience shaping film scores, but with the added pull of modernity, electronica and beats.