Reviewed by Nick Castle

This self-titled mini album from the Elms is an example of great pop/rock that is still pouring out of the US. Alliance has got their hands on this beauty and has brought it to our shores. The first track gets the CD off to a rocking start, with the sweet acoustic guitars accompanied by a hard riff on the slightly distorted electric guitar. There are no keyboards to be heard, just the simple arrangement with little extra production. The tone of Owen Thomas' lead vocals are very distinctive with occasional similarities to the new Hanson sound (this is a good thing though). The simple use of lyrics and 'la da da de da' on the track "Goodnight Rosa" works beautifully and soaring aaahh's and oooh's can be found throughout the CD, aiding the depth of imaginative vocal arrangement. The songs towards the end are more like acoustic based ballads. This lends well to the sound the band produces and their songwriting skills shine through in "You Think You Know A Guy". There is good variation between the songs providing a good mix of songs without changing the overall feel of the album. You could be forgiven at times to start thinking you are listening to British band Fruit, as the sound is similar. They are very clear to where they are coming from as their sleevenotes quote, "You can block out your windows or go where the wind blows/But you answer to something someday" - a challenge to everyone.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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