El Ten Eleven, an L.A.-based band who have been at it since 2002, are the humble giants of the post-rock world. They make use of fairly unconventional setups, some of which include a seamless blend of acoustic and electric drums and a double-necked guitar/bass combo with an elaborate spread of effects pedals. This same band also runs on the manpower of just two people; bassist Kristian Dunn and drummer Tim Fogarty. This feat registers impressive when you hear the mesmerizing fluidity of their vocal-less tracks in full — each one more expansive than the next, each one telling a story and putting you into a groove simultaneously.
For some instrumental bands however, the inclination for “complexity” has the potential of becoming nothing more than a cumbersome distraction from any deeper meaning to the music, but I don’t think that’s the case with Dunn and Fogarty. The duo have mentioned in interviews past (including this one from Paradigm Magazine) that they’re not trying to impress people or boggle anyone’s mind during live shows. They’re simply trying to convey that emotional depth folded into each song. Maybe it’s nostalgia that permeates the heavily looped layers for some, maybe it’s profundity for others.
Whether you’re a intrigued by the gear, Dunn and Fogarty’s technical prowess or you’re just looking to feel something, you can catch El Ten Eleven at Mohawk Place tonight. Doors are at 8pm and tickets are $15 at the door.