So Elated

It’s hard not to compare Chicago’s So Elated to Simon & Garfunkel, so I will give in to the temptation. The music is simple, the vocal harmonies are tight, and the rhythm is fluid & steady. This album is a definite departure from what is normal nowadays, and the general sound is timeless. Although the sound is simple, it is never boring. The album is paced well, weaving through the songs in a way that makes it very easy to listen to. Many artists of their genre could learn from them in this regard. In listening, it becomes plainly obvious that these songs are written deliberately. Musically, it is refreshing. It stands out not just from most modern indie bands, but from most of the acoustic genres as well. If the likes of Shane & Shane are too complicated and high-strung for you, you owe it to yourself to pick up this album.

I wish however, that the lyrics stood up to the high bar set by the instruments. The lyrics are simple and enjoyable, but it leaves me wanting something just a little bit more artistic. I am not normally given to comparing lyrics to the likes of Shakespearean poetry, but even given my mediocre standards, Ben Thomas’ strains barely measure up. One song does stand out among the rest. “Open My Heart with Knives” is one of the best satirical looks at the modern church since Brave Saint Saturn’s “Under Bridges.” The simplicity of the lyrics all but disguises the all-too-familiar prayers that everyone has selfishly uttered. The same questioning (but not cynical) attitude is below the surface through most of the album. It becomes obvious that Thomas and company are well aware of where faith should fit in modern life.

Simply put, So Elated is a relaxing album to listen to. Well orchestrated and produced, the songs carry with them a quality that makes them hard to put out of mind. This is best exemplified in the song “Viral,” which lives up to its title with its inexplicable ability to occupy your thoughts for days. Unlike other adhesive songs however, this one never seems to be unwelcome. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for So Elated. This is definitely a band with room for growth, but the potential they have is impressive.

Tagged as: So Elated

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