The debut from NYC avant-pop outfit ELK CITY is a collision of hazy folk and classic New Wave. Compelling, passionate pop-band basics, guitars and bass and drums, immersed in a pool of shimmering analog synths and tweaked-out electronics, co-ed vocals that range from the cosmically extraterrestrial to the wholesomely earthbound. These former MELTING HOPEFULS folks have taken that band's critically acclaimed songwriting genius and added in a major dose of atmosphere. "Status" is New York City to the max, the overwhelming hum of humanity and the sound of the secret places where people have to go to escape it. The born-to-be-an-indie-pop-single "Dreams Of Steam" infuses a sensual pop song with 100% humid atmospheres and incredibly sultry sonics. Other highlights include the GBV-cruncher "Groundbreaking," the Low-like hush of "Mysteries Unknown," the Ween-like Moog mugging of "Chocolate Girl," plus a cover of The Mamas and Papas classic "California Dreamin'." For fans of The Velvet Underground and Yo La Tengo, Galaxie 500 and Luna, The Magnetic Fields and Mazzy Star, Sparklehorse and The Flaming Lips (there are also hints of the Quickspace and Novak camp, but this isn't born of any leafy London suburb, and the Krautrock influence isn't so predominant).