This week's artist in the wings feature is a rising band that lands a bit outside of the mainstream of pop music. However, what often makes a truly great song, regardless of genre, is when it can be stripped down to its essence and the lyrics and the melody remain memorable and stick in your brain. This is where the Canadian trio Elliott Brood excel. They are also a band for music fans who look for inspirational substance that lands a bit outside of the norm for a pop song. "If I Get Old," the first single from the album Days Into Years, was inspired by a visit to a cemetery in France where many Canadian soldiers from World War I are buried. I recently had the opportunity to spick with the band's drummer, Stephen Pitkin, and he said a key influence on the band is another Canadian native, Neil Young. The band admires "Uncle Neil" as a an artist who is, "not too wordy, but his songs say a lot."
Elliott Brood's third full-length album Days Into Years hits stores in the US next Tuesday, February 28, 2012. They are currently touring in the US and will continue through mid-March. Elliott Brood have a well deserved reputation for delivering outstanding live shows. Stephen Pitkin says, "We try to be a little more inclusive than band on one side and audience on the other. We try to get people involved a little bit in the show." He says that if you have never heard Elliott Brood, it's the energy and enthusiasm as well as the lyrics of the songs that will pull you in. Check out Elliott Brood below, and, better yet, catch them on tour.
- Watch "If I Get Old"
Photo courtesy Paper Bag Records
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