Artist Info:Discography Album length: 10 tracks: 42 minutes, 37 seconds Street Date: May 22, 2001
The Elms snuck quietly into the Christian rock scene last year with their
self-titled 5-song EP. The band offered alternative rock that still had a slight rough edge.
It was something different for Christian music and left those who did get a chance to hear it
anticipating a full release. However a full-length fall release was delayed a few times until
it was pushed back until May of 2001, over a year after the release of the EP teaser.
Big Surprise is the title of their first full-length project. It features 3 of the songs
from the EP, two of which are relatively the same and one which was sounds completely rerecorded. The seven
new tracks step in a different direction. With more of a pop edge and a polished composition, those who
know of the EP may even find Big Surprise sounding more like a collection of works and less
like a comprised album. If the EP wasn't released with slightly rougher renditions of these three songs,
(and 2 others along those lines), Big Surprise would be more surprisingly diverse at times.
The album opens with the clapping and cheerleader cries of "Hey Hey" before lead singer Owen Thomas' vocals
saves the listener from horrifying high school pep-rally flashbacks. The song that follows the cheers is an upbeat
pop song with catchy riffs and lyrics, but will definitely be a "big surprise" for those who have heard the EP.
"Here's My Hand" starts with a beautiful string arrangement that leads into a soft pop/rock ballad.
Brit pop influences are evident on the record as well as tinges of evidence that prove they were influenced
but the 'British-mod' and American bands of the 60s. "Who Got the Meaning?" is an upbeat pop rock tune
showcasing the shout-singing vocals of Owen that were introduced on the EP. On this complete record, Owen varies
his vocal styles more, from the melodic ballad singing of "The Buzzing Won't Stop!" and "Real Men Cry" to the
more shout-like approach of "You're Glowing" and "Lifeboat."
"You're Glowing" ultimately sounds like it did on the EP, while "Lifeboat" has a minute of studio clatter
tacked on the end, and finally "Real Men Cry" was rerecorded to be an even mellower ballad than it's original version.
But the album highlight is actually the title track. A pop/rock ballad with a unique use of violins and vocal melodies
in the chorus, is a strong cut lyrically and musically, and deserves mainstream attention.
A strong debut with some definite surprises in musical changes from their EP introduction, The Elms
first full-length studio album is certainly a good offer and will surely land them a place in the Christian rock
scene as a band to follow.
- Review date: 5/12/01, written by John DiBiase
Record Label:Sparrow Records Album length: 10 tracks, 42 minutes and 37 seconds
Street Date: May 22, 2001
Buy It:Amazon.com
Record Label: 
