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.
Dionysus Burning
Elliott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What they say
You try to walk right down
To this world dreams
Under cost what
They say you
Try to walk right down
To this world kissed lovers lost
What they say you
Try to walk right down to this world
You're sold boxed and locked on time lips
Locked and lined is what they say you
Try to walk right down
To this world suits under line
What they say as
And I clearly walk right down
To this world to talk to you one last time
Tin covered call is mine with clicks
From the rusted line sin colored call is mine
Delivered on other side burn down the river
Feel I divorce your kind
Then I just burn down the river
Feel I divorce your kind
Feel I default on myself
Feel I've got to divorce some kind
Feel across myself
Then I finally wake up
And I finally found your kind
Then I sit silent for some time
When I just burn down the river
Then I sit silent for some time
In Elliott's song "Dionysus Burning", the lyrics seem to be somewhat abstract and open to interpretation. The song appears to be about someone struggling to fit into a world that doesn't quite make sense to them, and feeling disconnected from the people around them. The repeated phrase "you try to walk right down to this world" implies a desire to understand and connect with others, but a sense of being lost and confused in the process.
The references to "sold boxed and locked on time lips" and "suits under line" suggest a feeling of being trapped or constrained by societal expectations and norms. However, there is also a sense of rebellion and defiance in the lines "feel I divorce your kind" and "delivered on other side burn down the river". It's possible that the song is ultimately about breaking free from these expectations and finding one's own path.
Overall, the lyrics of "Dionysus Burning" are rich and evocative, but also somewhat enigmatic. They seem to express a complex mixture of emotions, from frustration with the constraints of society to a yearning for human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
You feel around
You are searching for something without a clear direction or purpose.
What they say
You are influenced by the opinions of others.
You try to walk right down
You attempt to navigate through life in a straightforward way.
To this world dreams
You have aspirations for the future.
Under cost what
Despite the expenses or obstacles, you are still pursuing your goals.
They say you
Others have expectations of you.
Try to walk right down
They expect you to follow a certain path.
To this world kissed lovers lost
The path you are on has its own set of rewards and sacrifices.
You're sold boxed and locked on time lips
You feel trapped and constrained by societal norms and expectations.
Locked and lined is what they say you
Others have already determined your path and fate.
To this world suits under line
You are expected to conform to the standards of the world.
What they say as
Their opinions are still present and affecting you.
And I clearly walk right down
You are finally finding your own path and purpose.
To this world to talk to you one last time
You have one final chance to speak your truth and make your mark on the world.
Tin covered call is mine with clicks
You hold a technological device that connects you to the world.
From the rusted line sin colored call is mine
The device is imperfect and comes with its own set of problems.
Delivered on other side burn down the river
You are ready to let go of your past and move towards a new and different future.
Feel I divorce your kind
You are separating yourself from those who do not support or understand you.
Then I just burn down the river
You are leaving the old you behind and moving towards something new.
Feel I default on myself
You are disappointed in yourself and not living up to your own expectations.
Feel I've got to divorce some kind
You need to distance yourself from certain people or habits in order to grow.
Feel across myself
You are reflecting deeply on your own actions and choices.
Then I finally wake up
You are experiencing a moment of clarity or realization.
And I finally found your kind
You have found others who share your values and beliefs.
Then I sit silent for some time
You are taking time to reflect and process your experiences.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BEN LORD, CHRIS HIGDON, JAY PALUMBO, JONATHAN MOBLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
awfromnyc718
THis song is on so many of the mix tapes I made... wow I love this CD... this band and Sunny Day RE revolutionized my musical outlook
OmegaNeofelis
Underrated band from the scene
Abraham Blincoln
I don't think they're underrated ... maybe just American Football is overrated
Antlion161
crazy good
23D1998
You feel around
What they say
You try to walk right down
To this world dreams
Under cost what
They say you
Try to walk right down
To this world kissed lovers lost
What they say you
Try to walk right down to this world
You're sold boxed and locked on time lips
Locked and lined is what they say you
Try to walk right down
To this world suits under line
What they say as
And I clearly walk right down
To this world to talk to you one last time
Tin covered call is mine with clicks
From the rusted line sin colored call is mine
Delivered on other side burn down the river
Feel I divorce your kind
Then I just burn down the river
Feel I divorce your kind
Feel I default on myself
Feel I've got to divorce some kind
Feel across myself
Then I finally wake up
And I finally found your kind
Then I sit silent for some time
When I just burn down the river
Then I sit silent for some time
DionysusBurning
heh, they stole my username
Hogos Bazvarakh
Heh.