Inayat Khan once stated that "music, besides power, is intoxication". Eleven's Avantgardedog could very well be the embodiment of this assertion. The trio of Alain Johannes (guitar / vocals), Natasha Shneider (keyboard /vocals), and Greg Upchurch (drums / percussion) have delivered an album that permeates the consciousness, and captures the heart one note at a time.

From the opening drone of the first track, "All Falls Away," the listener is drawn into a sonic tapestry of epic proportion. There's one thing I need to make very clear right now. Natasha Shneider's voice is an experience unto itself. Track after track, breath after breath, Natasha establishes herself as perhaps the most emotive, compelling vocalist...male OR female…in rock today. Add to this the vocals of Alain Johannes, and you have the makings of one of the most unique duo's ever to emerge. They complement and complete each other, guiding the listener through every moment.

Following "All Falls Away," "You're Not Alone" and "Verb" take the listener deeper into melodic bliss. Greg Upchurch is a welcome addition to Eleven. Succeeding the likes of Jack Irons and Matt Cameron would be a daunting task for most, but Greg delivers the most intuitive performances of any Eleven album to date. Alternating between an electronic kit and his trusty Premier's, Greg redefines what it means to be a tasteful drummer. At the risk of digressing into oblivion, Greg is also a phenomenal live performer. You cannot manufacture the intensity that this man possesses...'nuff said.

The album contains three untitled performances, offered as "sonic ginger" to quote Alain. The first of these is a classical Indian influenced piece performed on acoustic to a pulsating drum loop. Is there no end to the creative expression of this trio? The sonic ginger works to great effect, and blooms into the bombastic anthem "What Can I Do." It is at this point that the masterful production of this album becomes its own entity. The production of Avantgardedog would make Sir George Martin proud. Each track is given its own life, and builds on the last. This is a great strength of Eleven. They have mastered the lost art of making an album breathe in the mix. What this means to the listener is a new experience with each successive listen. You will revisit this album again and again, I can assure you.

"It's Okay" and "Lucky One" are as different as two songs can be, but work beautifully following each other. Eleven is that rare creature that can make you smile in one moment, and tear your chest open in the next. There is an extraordinary amount of heart in this album...another welcome breath of fresh air. The introspective feel of "Lucky One" dissolves into the second untitled track. This track is again a departure from the preceding offerings, and can best be described as carnival music for Alice in Wonderland.

"Beautiful Self" is classic Eleven. From the unexpected melody to the infectious hook, it is obvious that Alain and Natasha are in full command of their songwriting talents. "Strands of Rain" is the type of song that can become a part of your psyche. It is a wondrous solitary lament showcasing the crushing beauty of Natasha's vocals. Did I mention that this woman can sing?

"Cool Cruel Baby" should be a single. With its signature guitar riff, pounding rhythm, and soulful vocals, it deserves heavy rotation at a station near you. It should be noted that any number of songs on Avantgardedog could easily be singles. I cannot recall an album this balanced, or a statement this complete.

Untitled #3 feels like a deep space transmission. It went through the old multiple repeat trick in my deck, as I tried to decipher Alain's message. I was not successful, but it was fun trying. "Watergun" is the finale of Avantgardedog. Again, another song resplendent in unique chord progressions and unexpected melody. It is the perfect last hurrah to this inspired album. It leaves the listener wanting more, due to the fact that it is a truly unique experience.

Avantgardedog is easily the most prolific and essential release from a major since Radiohead's O.K. Computer. Eleven have succeeded in creating a classic...perhaps the first of the new millennium. This is their first album for Interscope, and their fourth overall. Awake In A Dream, Eleven, and Thunk are worth seeking out as well. Remember people, talent like Eleven does not come along nearly as often as it should. Any sincere fan of music needs this record. This pug's for you.