Elska in The Buffalo News

Elska arrives by Jeff Miers
Read more at www.BuffaloNews.com

Having taken in more than a handful of recent-era Wilco concerts, I tend to trust the words of the band’s members when they sing the praises of another artist. So when Wilco’s keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Mike Jorgensen said of alternative electro-pop artist Elska, “[She creates] crazy awesome electronic funderworld faerie tunes for the whole family,” my interest was piqued. As it turns out, Elska has crafted music that suggests what it might sound like if the Teletubbies stumbled upon a Bjork box set and decided to sing along. Meaning, weird and wonderful.

Elska’s “Middle of Nowhere” is a fantasy concept album that takes place on an Arctic island. It’s a wholly disarming and charming indie-pop collection brimming with imagination and exuberance. The record was beautifully produced by Buffalo-born Allen Farmelo, who has been making quite the name for himself since relocating to New York City in 2005.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, Elska will transport the Burchfield Penney Art Center (1300 Elmwood Ave.), into her imaginative “Isle of Elska.” Tickets are $10 general, $8 for children and Burchfield Penney members. Find them through www.burchfieldpenney.org or by calling 878-6011.