Elrichman

The Toronto-based sophisti-pop artist Elrichman — the project of Paul Erlichman — is set to release his new album, Heaven’s Mayor on April 24, 2020 via Madrid-based label, Bobo Integral. Following his work as part of Goosebump (formally Germaphobes), Erlichman, who also plays in the jangle-pop quartet, Ducks Unlimited, recorded the new album with producer, Alex Gamble (Fucked Up, Alvvays). It’s the first record under the Elrichman moniker since 2014’s Young, Healthy, and Wonderful and finds further contributions from members of Hooded Fang (Jon Pappo), Weaves (Zach Bines) and Twisted Pine (Anh Phung).

Recorded at Toronto’s recently closed studios, The Hive, Heaven’s Mayor looks to meticulously examine how to be honest with oneself in a world driven by consumption. It’s a theme that somewhat ironically resonates with the story of The Hive and many other ephemeral studios and venues across Toronto’s scene, being closed, removed and then replaced with condominiums or clothing stores. The level of rapport Elrichman demonstrates with himself is something he reflects onto a wider world context too. Whereas previously his writing has invoked the use of character sketches, Heaven’s Mayor, amongst its gorgeous string sections and ’80s indie-pop, unabashedly portrays who he is as an artist. “I guess I’m at a point where I feel more comfortable putting myself in my songs,” he says. “It’s also kind of about feeling ridiculous being a male guitar-playing singer-songwriter in this age when lord knows there’s been enough of us.”

(Photo Credit: Chelsee Ivan)