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Hang On To Life

Ariel Pink

2010

Hang On To Life

Release Date:  2010

By Pitchfork

Reviewed July 10, 2013

Though they hail from opposite coasts, L.A. native Ariel Pink and Miami-bred/Brooklyn-based Jorge Elbrecht (formerly of art-pop mysterios Lansing-Dreiden and currently of Violens) have followed markedly similar trajectories out of the shadows and into the spotlight. “Hang on to Life” is where these two art-pop veterans come together like two long-lost paramours running towards each other’s arms across a field in gauzy slow motion.

The duo’s collaborative single for Mexican Summer-- one of a handful Elbrecht is issuing this year-- admisnisters tough love via soft rock: though Pink’s swooning chorus line hinges on that skeezy old metaphor equating one’s foibles with canine bestiality, it’s immediately answered by a soothing titular refrain from Elbrecht that provides the downtrodden target with a shoulder to lean on. And is if the song’s therapeutic purpose was ever in question, they even drop a phone-conversation breakdown straight from the “Steal My Sunshine” cheer-up playbook, effectively coronating “Hang on to Life” as an instant male-bonding anthem for your blossoming summer bromance.

8:00 PM · Jul 10, 2013