As a marker of a new musical milestone, Ben Thomas is now recording as So Elated. A love of music with soul and creative production are displayed as the mood shifts slightly throughout the new self-titled, So Elated out January 13, 2009). Hushed dark notes give way to a predominately forward looking vibe. The first song alone begins distant and distorted, then turns intimate and contemplative, pensive, elated, nostalgic and concludes with a memorable, guitar-groove-based outro, all in 3:25.
So Elated is an apt moniker for Ben Thomas’ latest work. These songs in the hands of a darker soul, in a darker key, could be another ride altogether. The lyrics of Ben Thomas, dark as the topics may be, are hopeful. Driven by tempo, vocal layering and harmonies that uplift the mood, there’s too much melody to sink into darkness!
By the third song, "Not Complete", biting acoustic guitars and tight, measured drumming pull the listener into a well crafted machine, setting the stage for an album colored by textured vocals and other subtle yet creative production elements. So Elated pulls off the feat of presenting a well sequenced and very cohesive album while still displaying diverse song intros and instrumentation.
Though my music sits most comfortably in the genre of "folk-rock"
or "indie-alt-folk-blah-blah-blah"
my hope is that I am doing something
that is sonically challenging and fresh.
I love the idea of starting with a simple folk song
and transforming it via sounds and textures
into something that hasn't been done before.
On "Viral (The Incapable Rival)" a song that "is a tribute to the people who have come out of environments of oppression; a battle cry against the spirit of fear which strips us of our capacity to be innovative and expressive," voices exuberantly work together in a tonal and winking style reminiscent of Ween’s country work, Wilco, Steely Dan, or Iron and Wine. So Elated is a new breed, like an unexpected acoustic set from Radiohead or when a genre is re-imagined by a top flight producer. Think Rick Rubin’s ability to edit and add life to an album, artist and genre.
The songs are a collaboration of Ben Thomas and producer and percussionist Mark Mazurek. Along with the help from fellow band members Luke Harris (Upright Bass, Mandolin), John Dudich (Guitar, Vocals) and Matt Brennan (Percussion), the album presents a cohesive sound with poignant lyrics. Themes of honesty and expectation remain to the finale, "Exit Door," as the "classic apocalyptic, death-ward gazing, tombstone printable epilogue." From the first track to the last, "So Elated" offers a true-to-life manifesto of unconditional love, interdependence and hope.
This CD is a thoughtful, fun ride.
After 38 minutes, you may want an encore. (They do tour!)
So Elated plans on kicking off a series of shows to support their new record at Uncommon Ground (Devon Location) in Chicago on January 16th. Other notable Chicagoland venues will include Martyrs, Reggie's and North Central College. The band will take their show on the road in the beginning of March for a brief regional tour including a few dates in Nashville.
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So Elated is an apt moniker for Ben Thomas’ latest work. These songs in the hands of a darker soul, in a darker key, could be another ride altogether. The lyrics of Ben Thomas, dark as the topics may be, are hopeful. Driven by tempo, vocal layering and harmonies that uplift the mood, there’s too much melody to sink into darkness!
By the third song, "Not Complete", biting acoustic guitars and tight, measured drumming pull the listener into a well crafted machine, setting the stage for an album colored by textured vocals and other subtle yet creative production elements. So Elated pulls off the feat of presenting a well sequenced and very cohesive album while still displaying diverse song intros and instrumentation.
or "indie-alt-folk-blah-blah-blah"
my hope is that I am doing something
that is sonically challenging and fresh.
I love the idea of starting with a simple folk song
and transforming it via sounds and textures
into something that hasn't been done before.
On "Viral (The Incapable Rival)" a song that "is a tribute to the people who have come out of environments of oppression; a battle cry against the spirit of fear which strips us of our capacity to be innovative and expressive," voices exuberantly work together in a tonal and winking style reminiscent of Ween’s country work, Wilco, Steely Dan, or Iron and Wine. So Elated is a new breed, like an unexpected acoustic set from Radiohead or when a genre is re-imagined by a top flight producer. Think Rick Rubin’s ability to edit and add life to an album, artist and genre.
The songs are a collaboration of Ben Thomas and producer and percussionist Mark Mazurek. Along with the help from fellow band members Luke Harris (Upright Bass, Mandolin), John Dudich (Guitar, Vocals) and Matt Brennan (Percussion), the album presents a cohesive sound with poignant lyrics. Themes of honesty and expectation remain to the finale, "Exit Door," as the "classic apocalyptic, death-ward gazing, tombstone printable epilogue." From the first track to the last, "So Elated" offers a true-to-life manifesto of unconditional love, interdependence and hope.
This CD is a thoughtful, fun ride.
After 38 minutes, you may want an encore. (They do tour!)
So Elated plans on kicking off a series of shows to support their new record at Uncommon Ground (Devon Location) in Chicago on January 16th. Other notable Chicagoland venues will include Martyrs, Reggie's and North Central College. The band will take their show on the road in the beginning of March for a brief regional tour including a few dates in Nashville.
<- Back to Projects
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