January 12th, 2009
Media Contact: Anthony Piatt
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SO ELATED: God Lives In Simple Folk Songs
As a marker of a new musical milestone, Ben Thomas is now recording as So Elated. A love of music with soul and creative production are displayed as the mood shifts slightly throughout the new self-titled, So Elated (to be released January 13, 2009). Hushed dark notes give way to a predominately forward looking vibe. The first song alone begins distant and distorted, then turns intimate and contemplative, pensive, elated, nostalgic and concludes with a memorable, guitar-groove-based outro, all in 3:25.
So Elated is an apt moniker for Ben Thomas’ latest work. These songs in the hands of a darker soul, in a darker key, could be another ride altogether. The lyrics of Ben Thomas, dark as the topics may be, are hopeful. Driven by tempo, vocal layering and harmonies that uplift the mood, there’s too much melody to sink into darkness!
By the third song, “Not Complete”, biting acoustic guitars and tight, measured drumming pull the listener into well crafted machine, setting the stage for an album colored by textured vocals and other subtle yet creative production elements. So Elated pulls off the feat of presenting a well sequenced and very cohesive album while still displaying diverse song intros and instrumentation.
I recognize that not everyone believes there’s a God or hears from God the same way, but I like to think God lives in these songs. Sure, they’re simple folk songs… but just like sunsets and Mozart and tiramisu, I think God can speak through them in ways we can’t even comprehend. We think we created something with lyrical and sonic depth to it. Something fresh and alive and something that grows richer with repeated listens. –Ben Thomas
On “Viral (The Incapable Rival)” a song that “is a tribute to the people who have come out of environments of oppression; a battle cry against the spirit of fear which strips us of our capacity to be innovative and expressive,” voices exuberantly work together in a tonal and winking style reminiscent of Ween’s country work, Wilco, Steely Dan, or Iron and Wine. So Elated is a new breed, like an unexpected acoustic set from Radiohead or when a genre is re-imagined by a top flight producer. Think Rick Rubin’s ability to edit and add life to an album, artist and genre.
The songs are a collaboration of Ben Thomas and producer and percussionist Mark Mazurek. Along with the help from fellow band members Luke Harris (Upright Bass, Mandolin), John Dudich (Guitar, Vocals) and Matt Brennan (Percussion), the album presents a cohesive sound with poignant lyrics. Themes of honesty and expectation remain to the finale, “Exit Door,” as the “classic apocalyptic, death-ward gazing, tombstone printable epilogue.” From the first track to the last, “So Elated” offers a true-to-life manifesto of unconditional love, interdependence and hope.
This CD is a thoughtful, fun ride.
After 38 minutes, you may want an encore. (They do tour!)
So Elated On Tour
January 16th, National Release show at Uncommon Ground – Chicago, IL
February (TBA), Martyr’s – Chicago, IL
March 4th , Belmont University – Nashville, TN
March 5th, Bongo After Hours Theater – Nashville, TN
March 10th, Reggie’s - Chicago, IL
So Elated plans on kicking off a series of shows to support their new record at Uncommon Ground (Devon Location) in Chicago on January 16th. Other notable Chicagoland venues will include Martyrs, Reggie’s and North Central College. The band will take their show on the road in the beginning of March for a brief regional tour including a few dates in Nashville.
Q: Why should someone go see a So Elated show?
A:
As a music fan, I feel like I’m getting a special privileged position
of hearing directly from an artist in a live setting.
It’s as close as I can usually get to sitting with that artist in their living room.
I get to bring my expectations and life experiences to the show
and have them meet up and intermingle with the artists expectations and life experiences.
Every show counts because its a different combination of people and artists
and experiences floating around the room.
As an artist, I feel it my responsibility to let people in a bit…
to make them feel like this is the first and last show I’ll ever play.
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“The Recovery” Review (4 stars) – Phantom Tollbooth
“…Thomas was recently named as one of the top up and coming independent artist by “Christianity Today”, and that honor is well deserved. The Recovery is a musical treasure chest for the fan of alt-country/folk rock fan. At moments, Thomas’ sounds can remind you of amped-up Bright Eyes or Rocky Votolato without the gloomy perspective on life. When you combine that with the sounds of Wilco, Radiohead, and Derek Webb… Thomas’ first full-length is an independent success setting the stage for a bright future.”
Independent Artists to Watch – Christianity Today
“…The Recovery marks his first full-length studio effort, and it’s a good one. Self-written, produced, and mostly performed by Thomas, it’s an album filled with dichotomies. The sound is melodic and approachable, yet the instrumentation is often quite progressive, mixing acoustic guitars with atmospheric effects and aggressive drum fills. …lends credence to that belief that indie artists are the last bastion for creative songwriting.”
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