Elsewhere is earnest, if nothing else. There’s nothing disingenuous about the band’s music or songwriting, no feeling that the band thinks their better or smarter than their fans – it’s obvious that the Boston based trio is eager to share a sense of community with their audience. It never feels forced. The lack of anything insincere in their songwriting and music will immediately endear them to many and those who aren’t enchanted by their message and sound will nonetheless respect their craftsmanship. It’s apparent at every turn of their latest single “Call You Out”.
URL: https://www.elsewhereband.com/
It’s a boisterous example of guitar pop without ever going overboard. I’m impressed that Elsewhere, perhaps consciously, play into the song’s anthemic possibilities without allowing the song to sound crass and boringly predictable. Make no mistake, however – Elsewhere isn’t looking to rebuild the songwriting wheel here and there’s nothing especially daring about their musical attack. The tempo shifts a lot during “Call You Out” and its relentless quality is a big reason for the song’s success.
The song’s subject is down to earth but well-written. Elsewhere’s screed against tyrannical bosses will strike a chord with many, it’s a shrewd move, but never sounds dishonest. All three members retain a “day job” in addition with their band activities so this is culled straight from their everyday lives rather than being a remote experience they aren’t connected to now. No one will confuse the lyrics for poetry set to music, but they are nonetheless intelligently composed.
I am a big fan of the guitar sound they achieve. Guitar players in power trios have to cover many sonic bases and Elsewhere guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Michael Aroian pulls that off. He balances his guitar vision for the song between several different textures. Listeners longing for melody will find something while admirers of a rougher-hewn sound will love his playing at many points. It may have an overwhelming take no prisoners feel for some listeners, however, but I believe it’s part of the song’s overall package.
Elsewhere has hit the tour trail in support of Our Lady Peace’s Stop Making Stupid People Famous tour. It’ll be a moment for the band and their fans to savor when the tour makes a stop in Boston on December 14th, 2021. They’ll be appearing at the renowned Paradise Rock Club at 7pm that night, but attendees need to be prepared. Anyone hoping to see one or both acts will need to be prepared to provide printed proof to venue staff that they are either vaccinated over two weeks or else testing positive for COVID-19 within the last 72 hours.
MORE INFO ON 12/14 CONCERT: https://crossroadspresents.com/pages/more-info-event?eventid=vvG17ZpwDQJ9q5&venueid=KovZpZA11JtA
I don’t believe it is any sort of impediment to dedicated music fans enjoying a show with two of the best young outfits prowling the stages today. Opening for Our Lady Peace in a venue such as the Paradise is another sign of their growing stature. “Call You Out” is a more than worthy addition to the band’s growing discography and augers well for their future.
Chadwick Easton