Synth-pop and electronica have taken over the charts this year with the likes of Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa pioneering the genre all quarantine long. But it’s multi-instrumentalist Elderbrook that has caught our eye with his exemplary debut album Why Do We Shake In The Cold? Dropping today, the 11-track project explores human connections and raw emotions with Elderbrook’s up-lifting and insightful story-telling guiding us through.

Starting off slow and steady with opening track “All My Love”, Elderbrook opens the door and leads us into an intimate evening party, with relaxed oscillating bass lines and soothing vocals. But the party picks up as we transition into “My House”. Giving us Passion Pit and Zhu vibes, “My House” is the party starter tune with 80s inspired synths. The fun tune is an immediate attention-grabber and displays Elderbrook’s versatility as an artist, as he plays with higher-pitched vocals and nostalgic effects. As the party gets in full swing, Elderbrook enlists UK producers Rudimental for bass-heavy tune “Something About You”, showcasing crescendoing dubstep inspired beats and feel-good rhythms that’ll have you putting in a workout.

As the electronica-filled album comes to a close, Elderbrook provides us with something different with “Next December”. With everyone gone and nothing but red cups left sprawled across the room, “Next December” is the party ender with Elderbrook’s soft and crooning vocals leading us to a peaceful slumber. With nothing but one simple melody, the multi-instrumentalist strips it back for a simple but beautifully crafted tune that wraps up with album neatly with a bow.

Debut albums are not easy to make and require the utmost attention and detail, and Elderbrook has outdone himself on his first LP. Not only did the artist cover all grounds of electronica with kitsch rhythms and artistic synths, Elderbrook has provided a story with different emotions and feelings written intricately into each chapter.