Element 101
Change is inevitable -- if you want to remain fresh, competitive, or simply avoid the weariness of repeated work. Sometimes the turns that life takes become catalysts for growth, and improvement, even if we did not expect them.
Element 101's singer/lyricist Crissie Verhagen contemplates how life occasionally takes sudden turns when you least expect it.
"Sometimes we almost become bored and complacent in life,” she says, “but even in the midst of that, something can come into your life and just put it in a new direction and change things." Driven by this challenge to not get stuck in a rut, their new album “More Than Motion” fully embraces the challenge of pushing outside of their own mold.
Element 101 is a miracle band in that they’ve used their trials to deepen their lyrics and broaden their music. Despite all odds, the band has continued in their musical pursuits toward maturity, and integrity. After two previous releases on Tooth & Nail (“Stereo Girl” and the re-released and redone “Future Plans Undecided”), the band has grown up a lot, simmered down a bit from their poppy genesis, and tapped into a decidedly rock-oriented vein.
The prevailing theme on this album seems to be about change and growth. The lyrics embody a much more intimate feeling, without feeling too uncomfortable.
"All the lyrics as a whole are really personal, but in a general sense,” Crissie says. “The spiritual side of our music is very meaningful to us individually. It’s a driving factor and keeps us together. We are the people that God created us to be. We make music with the talents that God has blessed us with, and I think that people can find our beliefs and the virtues of God in our music." Such meaningful and probing topics are immediately more rewarding than the average bubble-gum radio fare.
Musically, the album turns over new leaves, and takes strides in some exciting new directions. Eleven new songs range between the aggressive, the experimental, and even "trippy” and “laid back." This new confidence accentuates their developed melodic flair. Driving guitar progressions, punctuated drums, and Crissie’s vocal experimentations all emphasize much more raw and energetic feelings in their material. Citing classic and progressive rock influences (Led Zeppelin, Veruca Salt, Mazzy Star, Yes, and Pink Floyd) these five Jersey- rockers along with producers Bill Stevenson and Stephen Egerton and mixer Jason Livermore (ALL, The Descendants), bring out the dynamics.
The new album inspires the band to continue a heavy touring schedule throughout the summer and fall of 2002 in order to expose as many rock fans as possible to their new material. "We’ve learned to really have fun and play our very best, whether there are 3000 kids there or 30,” Crissie asserts. “It’s important for us to keep our integrity level high, and remember why we’re doing what we’re doing." |
