Contributing Writer
LA-based producers, songwriters, and performers, Eli & Fur return with their highly anticipated EP, ‘Follow the Dark – Part I’ on April 21 via Anjunadeep. The EP serves as the first of a two-part series. The EP’s 4 tracks demonstrate the impressive scope of Eli & Fur’s diverse ear and talent, containing seamless waves of mysterious and upbeat grooves, with enticing vocals.
The EP was inspired by the rich history of LA’s Laurel Canyon. Searching for inspiration, the duo went on a nature-filled walk at dusk through their hometown. A safe-space of creativity for Eli & Fur, the two became drawn to Laurel Canyon’s unspoken story. Laurel Canyon’s landscape has been a muse for musicians and artists throughout the years, yet with so much vibrant color, the dusk and setting sun provided a darker, eerie feeling to it all. Eli & Fur became inspired to write an ode to the intriguing duality and bewildering history of Laurel Canyon. Within the glories of its Old Hollywood and creative history comes a mysterious darkness of murder and crime.
With an undeniable talent for songwriting, Eli & Fur take listeners through the story of the Canyon’s vast contrast between the dark and light. The lyrics to ‘Follow the Dark’ are a clear example of the duo’s undeniable ability to tell a story through songwriting:
‘There is a light that you find when you’re alone. If I follow the dark doesn’t mean I fall apart. Sometimes you just got to touch on it to know where the light is’.
‘Follow the Dark – Part I’ is proof of Eli & Fur’s innovation within electronic music, as they blend classic house and techno with hypnotic, celestial melodies. The EP’s title track, ‘Follow the Dark’, kicks things off with rich layers of ambient beats and cosmic vocals, developing into a highly danceable anthem. ‘Temptation’ takes a light turn, providing listeners with a more uptempo and steady vibe. The melancholic and ethereal ‘Where I Find My Mind’ leads into the feel-good closing track, “Talk To Me’. Already released as singles, ‘Temptation’ and ‘Where I Find My Mind’ have already received support on BBC Radio 1, Capital Chill and SiriusXM.
Reflecting on the EP, Eli & Fur state that “Follow The Dark was created like many other tracks we write, with a vocal we really loved. Our main goal was the find a lead synth line that felt right alongside the vocal and could give the track the energy it needed. We have been playing this one in our sets and love the contrast between the emotion in the vocal and the lead line into the drop. We wanted them to play off each other, almost as if the musical parts are leading the vocal into the dark. The track is about finding answers in the places you least expect.”
Their unique sound has led to collaborations with heavyweights Meduza, Camelphat, and Disciples. They also have a steady stream of releases on their own label NYX Music as well as with seminal imprints including Crosstown Rebels, Positiva, Sony RCA, and Cercle whom they also performed from Courmayeur, Skyway Monte Bianco, in Italy for their seminal livestream series, watch here. They’ve played some of the most prestigious festivals including Coachella, EDC, Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, Creamfields, and headlined London’s Printworks last December
Eli & Fur have picked up a slew of accolades such as ‘Best Producer’ in the Bass Music Awards, ‘Best Breakthrough DJ’ at DJ Magazine’s ‘Best of British’ and ‘Best Breakthrough Artist’ in the IDMA Awards. It’s no surprise that the duo have come to the attention of the fashion world, performing at several shows for Christian Dior and collaborating with Stella McCartney, The Kooples, and YSL, as well as being featured in Vogue.