We have a new record out. You can listen to clips on myspace and purchase it here. We also are making a song available on myspace for download off the record. It's called Viral (The Incapable Rival). Hope you enjoy. Read on for the official press release.
Later
Ben & the So Elated Team
Press Release - Monday, January 12th, 2009
Media Contact: Anthony Piatt
fly@flyonthewallmedia.com
812.336.7938 Office
812.345.0342 Mobile
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.
————————————————————————
“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.”