Elevator Through

The Point, Atlanta, GA • May 1, 1999

S. Kern

There is something to be said about constructing songs that encompass a lot of layering, stretching it to achieve a mood. Going beyond the drums, guitar and bass lineup, to weave in unexpected types of sound – you have got to give credit. To assemble such a sound, to visually paint an emotion with melody, takes talent. Especially if you combine the goal to have your sound unique – the antithesis of corporate rock commonly found today. Above all, creating songs that do not grate the ears and nerves. Anyone attempting to break the mundane has my respect. I give Elevator Through respect.

Snagging one of the opening slots for Built To Spill’s tour is also a sign of respect. While BTS incorporates the energy, so does Elevator Through, but with a more expansive sound. Actually, I should say Elevator, since the band has now dropped the “Through.”

If the sound is familiar, it shouldn’t be a surprise to Eric’s Trip fans, since the synthesis of Elevator is one-half of Eric’s Trip. However, Elevator’s sound is different in the sense that if space travel had a theme, the song opening up this show would be it. Mind you this wasn’t a 3 minute ditty – I suspect track time was 5 minutes. Most of the set consisted of this sound, very organic and not predominately using sound effects. It seemed to get inside and grab the secret part of your soul as only music that one would put on the turntable at 4 AM could achieve. Tension had been detected that night from Rick White. It became evident after the fourth song, when Rick had demanded that the set change for it had gotten to be “too depressing.” Therefore, Elevator swung into “Energy,” off of their latest, Vague Premolition . I can’t say if it was the soundboard or it had been intentional, but I had heard only snippets of lyrics. Which itself is fine, if lyrics are purposely secondary to the music. Overall, what I do find important is the emotion/experience in the music, and does it affect the listener. It did for me. Elevator’s music itself has a presence. ◼