Search - Eli Young Band :: Level

Eclectic variety is transformed into high-grade alt-country

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 06/08/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 44:14 -- The sonic alchemy of the Eli Young Band transforms an eclectic variety of folk, country, metal, grunge, and rock influences into their own high-grade gold. Based in Texas, the band is poised to build their legion of fans throughout the region, then nationally and internationally. The opener, "Small Town Kid," is a ballad about having a simple story, being driven by rock and honky-tonk music and needing nothing more than a good-looking lady, a truck and some occasional whiskey or tequilla. All twelve songs on "Level" are originals written by the band that is fronted by the guitarists and vocalists Mike Eli and James Young. The rest of the group is Chris Thompson (drums) and Jon Jones (bass). Like Young, Jones also contributes background vocals. Guest artists include Milo Deering (pedal steel), Erik Herbst (guitars), Vince Barnhart (vocals), and Tommy Young (Hammond B-3 organ).



Hailing from Denton, Texas, the quartet has the potential to make some significant impact on the alt-country rock market. Their material addresses some common themes -- love, heartache, pain, loss and desperation. Circumspect, yet still deliberate, each song seems to take a life of its own. Many are full of sadness or despair, and I wouldn't mind hearing a few more happy, uplifting songs from them. "When It Rains" suggests that if you "start out depressed then everything comes as a pleasant surprise."



The title cut, "Level," doesn't appear until track five, and has a catchy melodic guitar riff and snappy bass line as Eli sings "waiting on life to level, waiting on something stable, maybe soon I'll be able, to rest my head again." The improvisational jamming that takes place at the end of the song kicks butt. An acoustic flavor is a nice opening reprise on "Everything is You," with its nostalgic recollection of lasting memories of another. Thompson's drumming provides a technically impressive rhythmic intensity to "Girl in Red." The album ends on a particularly strong note with some of their most engaging and reflective songs, "Highways and Broken Hearts" and "Bottom Line."



The Eli Young Band writes, arranges and presents music that will especially appeal widely to a younger demographic that is looking for thoughtful messages in their non-mainstream listening. Recent music I've heard from the Texas and Oklahoma region often has a rebellious, almost defiant, flavor. With some top notch production, label and touring support, The Eli Young Band will definitely turn some heads. Let's hope that their songs are distinctive and provocative enough to land them a few lasting hits. The support garnered from their devoted and enthusiastic fans will be the ultimate test and decide whether they make it to the big time. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)

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