Why Do We Shake in the Cold?

Released in September 2020, 'Why Do We Shake in the Cold?' serves as the definitive full-length statement from Alexander Kotz, known as Elderbrook. Following the massive global success of his CamelPhat collaboration 'Cola,' this debut album seeks to ground his dance-leaning tendencies in a more singer-songwriter framework. The record is notable for its inclusion of 'Live from the London Aquarium' versions, which highlight the artist's ability to translate electronic textures into a live, acoustic-adjacent environment. Sonically, the album is characterized by its use of everyday sounds - clinks, thuds, and snaps - repurposed as rhythmic elements, a technique that provides an organic counterpoint to the digital synthesizers. Critics noted the album's successful balance between radio-ready hooks and the intimate, downtempo sensibilities of his early EPs. It stands as a pivotal moment in his career, moving him from a 'featured vocalist' to a fully realized solo artist with a distinct aesthetic of 'tender house.'