Just like the 70’s prog masters, Elder Statesmen took what was done in the past and combined it with different elements. Elder Statesmen, in my opinion, sounds like King crimson by way of Foo Fighters, Primus and so much more. They take complex dissonant qualities and add a accessible side to it without sacrificing anything artistic.
I just can’t get enough of Elder Statesmen, they satisfy two things I love about music…. Memorable melodies and complex song structures. In many ways they do more in short more concise songs than some of the bands that force out 20 plus minute epics.
My favorite tracks from Exchanging Gifts are Mr. Quill, which to me is the band’s signature sound. Others I like are Kayo and Miles Away. Miles Away shows the band’s almost improvisational side.
I believe that a band like Elder Statesmen can bridge a gap between the more assessable side of rock with the more creative complex dissonant side. You really must go to their page at MySpace and hear for yourself. You will be blown away by the awesome might of the Elder Statesmen! I can’t recommend this enough!
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on March 10th, 2007
