The Elevator Division, Live aus Lawrence

Venue: The Bottleneck
Date: 9/08/01

By: Meredith Vacek (Lawrencerock.com Editor)

Close-eyed reveries and a menacing open-mouthed scowl (on drummer Sam’s part) describe the on-stage presence of The Elevator Division as they played at the Bottleneck Saturday, Sept. 8. Opening for Pedro the Lion, along with Son, Ambulance and Seldom, they received an enthusiastic response to their thirty-minute set.
The band plays Lawrence frequently, vocalist/guitarist James saying “the response and receptiveness of the crowd here is really encouraging for a band like us.”

The band treated the audience with guitar melodies at least as lyrical as the words sung. The lamentative lyrics floated down over mood-creating rock. Their three-piece line-up, being a far cry from too sparse or boring, allowed for a pleasing clarity of sound unlike the barrage of noise multiple guitars or keyboards create, and gave the band room to be inventive.

The main body of the set was from the bands most recent release, “Movement” (June 15), put out independently; a work of surprisingly dark lyrics masked by an unassuming indie sound. The Cranberries, U2, and The Cure were named as possible influences by James. More importantly, he explained, was their attempt to achieve that feeling, not quite mystery, not quite mystique, that can be found in certain 80s soundtracks. “Like the Rocky IV soundtrack or Karate Kid, something like that,” he said. The three stand-out tracks of this album, in this reviewers opinion, were “Mute,” “Eighty-eight,” and “Alone,” for their beautiful melodies, fluid, wistful vocals, and enticing waves of rhythm. Though not a theme album, it definitely focuses on losing sight of what really matters, people trying to be happy with material attainments, and experiencing regret.

The Elevator Division hails from Kansas City, MO, and has existed for three years. Its original form had a fourth member who was a vocalist and keyboardist. In this avatar, they released their first album, “Imaginary Days” (1999). Imaginary Days is more eclectic and disjointed than the new release, which focuses more on the song-writing, and has continuity. “Movement” was produced after the fourth member went his separate way, and though some people doubt the band’s ability without him, they have succeeded in moving (ha! pun!) past that and creating an album worth going to the store for.

Overall, this band comes to you as highly recommended. And try to talk to Paul, the bassist, sometime. He’s a funny guy.

Fans interested in learning more about The Elevator Division should check out their website, www.elevatordivision.com.

Meredith Vacek ©2001