Erasure’s new track, “When I Start To (Break It All Down)” is their first proper single release since 2007. In that span, Vince Clarke went on tour with a reformed Yazoo in 2008 and Andy Bell released his solo album Non-Stop in 2010. “When I Start To (Break It All Down)”, from the duo’s forthcoming album, Tomorrow’s World (October 4th) is pure synthpop. In an interview with The Guardian, Clarke mentioned that the single started out with the working title of "Tender" because the song was loosely based on Elvis Presley’s "Love Me Tender", but it turned into something completely different. Yes, there are no traces of "Love Me Tender" here at all. It is a bit of an anthem styled song and some of that feeling comes out in Bell’s vocals. Sure, he still has that sweet voice, but it sounds like a little grittiness is showing through around the edges. It’s easy to see this song getting some fists raised at their over-the-top shows. The single, along with the album, was produced by Frankmusik (Lady Gaga, Pet Shop Boys, Ellie Goulding). In this track, Clarke’s vintage gear sounds amazing. The electronic drums pop and you can hear even the most subtle sounds. There also seems to be a bit of autotune on Bell’s voice and that probably wasn’t necessary, but it doesn’t detract from the song itself. He still has a voice that soars and it sounds great without any embellishment.
“When I Start To (Break It All Down)” was released as a 5 track single EP on September 27th and includes remixes of “When I Start To (Break It All Down)” from Kris Menace, Little Loud and Steve Smart & Westfunk, plus a B-Side not found on Tomorrow’s World. Erasure may not even care to reclaim the sythpop crown that many of their followers have worn over the years, but their influence is heard everywhere today. After a four year break, the time is right for Erasure to show that they’ve been doing this for 26 years now. Their US tour began August 31st in advance of Tomorrow’s World, their fourteenth studio album.
"When I Start To (Break It All Down)"
Erasure – When I Start To (Break It All Down) by Mute UK
Catch Erasure finish up their U.S. tour on the West Coast:
Fri. September 30th – Las Vegas, NV – The Palms Concert Theater Sat. October 1st – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium Sun. October 2nd – San Diego, CA – House of Blues Tues. October 4th – Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre Wed. October 5th – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom Thurs. October 6th – Seattle, WA – Neptune
Erasure – "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" [Montage Video]:
