There’s always something recognizable in the unknown, like a painting that is at once familiar and exotic. Indie-rock group Elle PF captures this phenomenon by melting a dense classical training with an experimental creativity, leaving us with a grungy, thought-provoking fusion. Their anticipated sophomore album, I Woke Up Today Laughing, Elle PF released in late-January 2022. Due to the pandemic and other traveling constraints, the band has long-awaited celebrating the record with a proper hometown release show, which will now take place at the 7th St Entry on August 5, 2022.
Minneapolis-grown but LA-based, Elle PF debuted in 2018 with a 12-track album She Wrote It, filled with symphonic movements and witchy elements. The compilation delivers subtle attitude amidst a lush soundscape, as if bold members of an orchestra overthrew the conductor. Recorded in lead singer Ranelle Labiche’s basement, She Wrote It has collectively amassed over 60k streams nationwide. True to form, Elle PF performed the album live at the historic Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis with a 12-piece ensemble that included a live string section.
The newest release from this prolific outfit details both a personal and musical evolution. I Woke Up Today Laughing immediately tells a story, as if you’re lost in thought, accompanied by the mellifluous sounds of birds and city life. While the first album sold with conviction social-political themes along a more linear, orchestral structure, I Woke Up Today Laughing dives into the life and love of Labiche. “The songwriting is a little more standard in that it has verses/choruses format,” she shares. Collaborating together on the production, the group chose to bring this album to a professional studio for a more refined product. “The lyrical content has more intimate, personal tones in that I’m writing directly about my own experiences and romantic relationships.”
Marching drums and haunting progressions mingle with beautiful melody lines, providing a guiding light through an unexpected terrain. The album calls to mind the imagination of Tune-Yards or the anthemic rock of the ‘00s, bringing catchy, confident tracks that edge the listener toward surrender. The breakout single from the album, ‘Ultimatum,’ received acclaim from outlets such as EARMILK, RIVAL, and Grimy Goods, who called it ‘a mesmerizing montage of thought and emotion’ (Patti Sanchez).
Jenessa LaSota (bass / vocal harmonies), John Acarregui (drums), Doc (guitar), and Ranelle Labiche (lead vocals / pianist / songwriter / producer) all began musical training at young ages. Ranelle (she/her) began in the Suzuki method on piano and violin around the age of five, playing in orchestras throughout her teen and adult life. Doc (they/them) is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who composes music for film and TV, and is a well-known hired gun for touring bands. John (he/him) was a young percussionist before becoming an audio engineer and sound designer in the Twin Cities, and Jenessa (they/them) began in orchestra at the ripe age of nine, where they fell in love with string instruments.
Elle PF’s fun indie aesthetic is translated into their new venture through jovial sounds and relatable lyricism. Using a cohesive yet innovative color palette, a plethora of patterns are heard and surprises are welcomed throughout.
