8/10

Usually when a side-project is born, it is to create something neither of the parties involved could have done within their current outfits. But for The National's Matt Berninger and Menomena's Brent Knopf, EL VY has been more about the joys of wanting to work with someone new and making fantastic music together. This is certainly the angle the pair have been going for as EL VY isn't too far from their respective comfort zones yet still manages to reflect their own individual brilliance.

With a strong classic rhythm and blues influence, EL VY seems to introduce itself as another nostalgic Southern rock band with whaling piano organs, strong riffs and toe-tapping drums. Yet despite the obvious comparisons in their own careers, the pair have managed to conceive a cohesive sound throughout this debut and show that something different yet familiar can be made between them both.

'Return To The Moon' may well end up becoming their only release, but if that is the case, they have certainly impressed with it. A quality and fulfilling release with all the hallmarks of the competent songwriters they are.