Since then, Elliott have toured every inch of North America, building a substantial and loyal fanbase, playing on every type of bill imaginable. Metal/hardcore to alt/emo bands, Elliott have played with all of them and to much commendation. In fact, the band welcomes and often times prefers the opportunity to play with bands as dissimilar to them as possible. From the success of their debut 7" and the massive buzz that the band had created, the attention of Revelation Records was caught. Elliott's Rev debut was recorded in two halves. One at Easley Studios in Memphis and the other at Rondor Studios in L.A. The two sessions were mastered together and melded into U.S. Songs which now has Elliott as a shoe-in to inherit the title of "best new band." The album is a masterpiece, displaying Higdon's memorable, emotional vocals and the band's talented songwriting capabilities. Higdon's voice and the dynamics of Elliott's music embody the band's sound on U.S. Songs: melancholy and bliss simultaneously.
False Cathedrals
With the release of their second full length False Cathedrals, Elliott has earned their place within the genealogy of Louisville bands that have broken with tradition and disregarded conventional formulas (Slint, Squirrel Bait, etc.). Indeed, the reverberations of such non-KY bands as Fugazi, Quicksand and Radiohead can be felt in their music. If stylistic similarities to such contemporaries as Jimmy Eat World or No Knife can be made, it can also be stated that Elliott has successfully constructed a sound that can only be described as their own. Though that sound is most definitely planted in the guitar-oriented standards of post-punk, it is through the elegantly understated use of electronics and piano, the fluid bass lines interweaving its way between staccato-tribal drum work and vocalist Chris Higdon's impassioned performances that Elliott creates their latest, a masterpiece of subtlety.
The LP's opener of "Voices/Calm Americans" is about as close to perfect as a band can get; its staggered bass-piano structured beneath a steady crescendo brewing behind the deceptively simple guitar lines. As powerful as any hardcore band out there, it is the more subdued pieces that showcase the incredible songwriting skills and technical abilities that make Elliott so special. "Blessed By Your Own Ghost" showcases the strongest use of electronic gadgetry on the album creating as evocative a sound as anything Brian Eno has ever done. The eerily commanding "Dying Midwestern" is floor-room model of restraint and quiet beauty, culminating in a guitar blowout of meaty proportions. On the other side of the coin, "Drive On To Me" rocks from start to finish with its anthemic chorus, pensive lyrics (shades of such authors as J.G. Ballard perhaps?) and beautifully layered vocal harmonies. With production credited to Tobias Miller (False Cathedrals is the first album he's produced, though work with such varied artists as Fiona Apple, The Wallflowers and Korn must have come in handy), False Cathedrals is a landmark recording in the field of post-punk bands. Clean, but not polished, innovative, yet, unassuming in its glory, the overall sound is as solid as it is diverse.
With the release of False Cathedrals, Elliott has opted to stride right on past the brink and into the open fields of greatness. Now its just time for the world to catch up. Expect heavy touring and consistently inspiring live performances to take care of that end.
Song in the Air
After touring Europe and the US in 2000 and 2001, a slightly dirty but enriched Elliott came home, rebooted, and in July of 2001 - began recording and investigating the new songs they had been making together. Song in the Air, Elliott's third full length, is the first record they have made with the addition of Benny Clark on guitar and Jason Skaggs on bass. The idea was to make a quick and easy EP but the ideas kept coming and songs kept growing. At times the prospect of insanity didn't seem too far off... But, finally, in November of 2002 the project was finished. Song In The Air had been created.
Tracks from Song in the Air are some of Elliott's best yet. These songs are infused with an immediate - urgent, feeling.... and that gives us, the listeners, a view of something that hasn't been cleaned up and fabricated.
In the process of recording it (which, in itself, is a fairly big story about running their own home studio and deciding to handle all of the recording duties of the record themselves) they enlisted some great musicians and others from the Louisville area to help out, including a string quartet assembled by Christian Frederickson of The Rachel's.
Photorecording
Photorecording, Elliott's finale, comes at first with a feeling of loss - the depth and meaning that so many associated with this band is immeasurable. But you'll find it's more of a fond farewell than just a band breaking up. The legacy left behind by one of Louisville's most beloved is one that will endure, and this release closes the door with a close look into the final days (and hours) of the band in 2003.
Photorecording is a live studio album recorded directly after their last performance, and also included is the never before seen DVD documentary of Elliott's last tour. The CD+DVD set compiles the aforementioned live studio recording and documentary as well as bonus footage of live shows during the last two years of Elliott's existence. Anyone who is familiar with the band will tell you that the live show is a big part of what made Elliott amazing. The shows not only complemented their prolific recordings, but also enriched the experience for even the most casual fans of Elliott - to miss their live show would be considered a crime. Photorecording is a monument to this great band that still has fans looking forward to each member's future projects.
Kevin Ratterman is currently in a new band called Wax Fang. He also runs an independent studio in Louisville, KY called the Funeral Home Studios.
Benny Clark did a tour with a band called Unwed Sailor.
Chris Higdon is currently working in Louisville, KY on his small photography business, Kriech-Higdon Photography, which focuses primarily on bands and weddings. He is also in a new band named Frontier(s).
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersband
Billy Bisig is now playing in a band called Wolverine Brass in Louisville, KY.
Blessed by Your Own Ghost
Elliott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics of Elliott's song "Blessed By Your Ghost" seem to be reflective of the inner turmoil of a person who is overwhelmed by the world around them. The first verse sees the singer sitting amongst the crowd feeling lost, as if he does not belong, and his voice is drowned out by the noise of the crowd. He turns to look at the people around him hoping to find meaning, but instead is met with a reflection of himself, feeling as if he is becoming lost in the crowd too. The chorus seems to suggest that everyone has their own personal challenges and burdens and that they can either be a blessing or a curse. The second verse is geared more towards this theme, describing a woman who "makes the driver blush with pains of tongues and knees" and appears to lead him somewhere enticing. The lyrics here seem to describe a fleeting moment, a sense of adventure and mystery, but are still tied back into the theme of personal demons and the mysterious power they can wield over us.
Overall the song gives a feeling of unrest and uncertainty in the world, and how this can lead to either growth or decay depending on how we process it. The singer is left with a sense of shaky foundation, not sure how to proceed, but still carries on despite this. It is a beautifully written piece of music that touches on some of the more complex themes of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
He sits among the rest, buried in his seat.
He is sitting among a group of people and seems unnoticeable or insignificant.
The clatter of the crowd is drowning out his speech.
The noise of the crowd is making it difficult for him to be heard clearly.
He turns to look at us, a mirror burned in deep.
He briefly glances at us, and his expression seems to reflect the inner turmoil that he is experiencing.
He wonders who you are, you wonder what he means.
He is curious about others' identities while others are puzzled by his intentions.
We are the matched and numbered ones. We have been placed in all their codes.
We are part of a group that conforms to society's expectations and is categorized and labeled accordingly.
You may be blessed by your own, you may be blessed by your own ghost.
You may find comfort in your own company, or in the memories of someone who is no longer with you.
She makes the driver blush with pains of tongues and knees. She opens up the car leaving air to breathe.
She causes the driver to feel embarrassed, but also brings relief by opening up the car windows and letting fresh air inside.
The moments all messed up with lanes that bleed in sheets that cover up our tracks and lead us to her keep.
The situation is confusing and chaotic, with unclear paths that seem to be leading to her destination.
We are the matched and numbered ones who live in constant disrepair.
We are the individuals who continue to struggle and live in a state of constant disorder.
Here I'm stressing over fallen angels with cause to cover.
The artist is worrying about the consequences of their actions, which are cause for concern.
You may be blessed by your own, you may be blessed by your own ghost.
You may find comfort in your own memories and thoughts, even when it seems like others are not supporting you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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