Elf Power
Encyclopedia
Elf Power is an indie rock
band that originated in Athens, Georgia
. Currently, the line-up consists of guitarist/vocalist Andrew Rieger, keyboardist Laura Carter
, guitarist Jimmy Hughes, bassist Derek Almstead
, and drummer Eric Harris
. They are part of the Elephant Six Collective.
. These recording sessions eventually resulted in the first incarnation of their debut album Vainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs
. The band's line-up expanded when Reiger and Carter recruited Elephant Six musician Bryan Poole, also known as The Late B.P. Helium
. While the band occasionally played live shows and continued to record, Poole chiefly stayed in Athens to continue work with Of Montreal
while Rieger and Carter moved to New York City
.
for some time, the band released The Winter Hawk EP
in 1995. Eventually, Rieger and Carter were convinced to move back to Athens
, where the band's second album When the Red King Comes
was ultimately recorded and released as a joint venture between the Arena Rock Recording Co.
and the Elephant Six label. The album featured contributions by members of The Olivia Tremor Control
, Kevin Barnes
of Of Montreal
, and Jeff Mangum
of Neutral Milk Hotel
.
Shortly following the release of When the Red King Comes, Elf Power collaborated with Dave Fridmann
, best known for his work with The Flaming Lips
, to record the album A Dream in Sound
. The album was again recorded with the help of Mangum and Barnes, as well as Scott Spillane
of Neutral Milk Hotel
and The Gerbils
.
During the 1999 supporting tour for A Dream in Sound
, Adrian Finch joined the band to play violin
. Following the addition, the band recorded an EP
focused chiefly on cover material entitled Come On. Around this time, Vainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs was reissued with material from early sessions.
band R.E.M.
, as well as Wilco
. Bryan Poole would exit the band for good following the European tour for the album to focus on solo work.
2002 saw the release of two albums from the band: Creatures, an effort released by spinART, and Nothing's Going to Happen, an album released on Orange Twin Records
that contained various cover songs and the Come On
EP. During this time, Finch left the lineup and Ballard Lesemann stepped in to play bass
.
In 2004, Elf Power released their seventh studio album Walking with the Beggar Boys. The album was released to notable media and critical praise and featured contributions from Vic Chesnutt
.
The band released Back to the Web on Rykodisc
in April 2006, an album which featured bassist Derek Almstead. A tour of the United States and Europe
followed. They were also chosen to play in the United Kingdom
2006 All Tomorrow's Parties
music festival curated by The Shins
.
. Their MySpace
page first described the project as "a lushly orchestrated mix of eclectic songwriting that is sure to conjure up memories of 1997's When the Red King Comes" and stressed its "more mature approach to arrangements, lyrics, and instrumentation."
Most recently, Elf Power collaborated with the late Vic Chesnutt
. They released Dark Developments on the record label Orange Twin in 2008, which was supported by U.S. and European tours.
Indie rock
Indie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with sub-genres that include lo-fi, post-rock, math rock, indie pop, dream pop, noise rock, space rock, sadcore, riot grrrl and emo, among others...
band that originated in Athens, Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Athens-Clarke County is a consolidated city–county in U.S. state of Georgia, in the northeastern part of the state, comprising the former City of Athens proper and Clarke County. The University of Georgia is located in this college town and is responsible for the initial growth of the city...
. Currently, the line-up consists of guitarist/vocalist Andrew Rieger, keyboardist Laura Carter
Laura Carter
Laura Carter is a multi-instrumentalist musician from Athens, GA.She is most notably in the indie rock band Elf Power, but has performed with a number of bands within the Elephant Six Collective, such as Nana Grizol, The Gerbils, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Dixie Blood Moustache...
, guitarist Jimmy Hughes, bassist Derek Almstead
Derek Almstead
Derek Griffin Almstead is an American musician/engineer closely tied to the Elephant 6 Collective.-Background:Born in Lexington, Virginia, he spent his childhood in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and later Manassas, Virginia. In 1995 he moved to Athens, Georgia, where he became involved with Elephant 6...
, and drummer Eric Harris
Eric Harris (musician)
Eric Harris is an American musician who played the drums for The Olivia Tremor Control from 1995 to 2000. Harris currently drums for Elf Power.-References:*...
. They are part of the Elephant Six Collective.
History
The band began as a four-track recording project of Rieger, his then girlfriend Carter, Raleigh Hatfield and Dave Wrathgeber, later of FablefactoryFablefactory
Fablefactory is a band from Athens, GA.The band was officially formed on May Day 1996, consisting of Davey Wrathgaber , Hank Wren , and Freckles Le Chat with Dallas Longhorne joining the band prior to recording their first album...
. These recording sessions eventually resulted in the first incarnation of their debut album Vainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs
Vainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs
Vainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs is the first full-length release by indie rock band Elf Power. It is a compact disc reissue of their debut LP and 7" single on the Arena Rock Recording Co...
. The band's line-up expanded when Reiger and Carter recruited Elephant Six musician Bryan Poole, also known as The Late B.P. Helium
The Late B.P. Helium
The Late B.P. Helium is the solo recording project and, at times, stage name of Elephant Six musician Bryan Poole, who also goes by Bryan Helium....
. While the band occasionally played live shows and continued to record, Poole chiefly stayed in Athens to continue work with Of Montreal
Of Montreal
Of Montreal is an American rock band from Athens, Georgia. It was founded by frontman Kevin Barnes in 1996, named after a failed romance with a woman "of Montreal." The band is one of the bands of the Elephant 6 collective...
while Rieger and Carter moved to New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Mid–late 1990s
After residing in New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
for some time, the band released The Winter Hawk EP
The Winter Hawk EP
The Winter Hawk EP is an EP by the indie rock band Elf Power. It is a five-track EP originally released on 7" vinyl, later included on the CD release of Vainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs.-Track listing:# Grand Intrusion Call# Monster Surprise...
in 1995. Eventually, Rieger and Carter were convinced to move back to Athens
Athens, Georgia
Athens-Clarke County is a consolidated city–county in U.S. state of Georgia, in the northeastern part of the state, comprising the former City of Athens proper and Clarke County. The University of Georgia is located in this college town and is responsible for the initial growth of the city...
, where the band's second album When the Red King Comes
When the Red King Comes
When the Red King Comes is the second album by Elephant 6 band Elf Power. It is a concept album about the Red King's kingdom.-Track listing:All songs written by Andrew Rieger unless otherwise noted.# "Step Through the Portal..."...
was ultimately recorded and released as a joint venture between the Arena Rock Recording Co.
Arena Rock Recording Co.
The Arena Rock Recording Company is an independent record label based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Albums are distributed by Redeye in the United States and Koch in Canada.-History:...
and the Elephant Six label. The album featured contributions by members of The Olivia Tremor Control
The Olivia Tremor Control
The Olivia Tremor Control is an indie rock band prominent in the mid to late 1990s which, along with The Apples in Stereo and Neutral Milk Hotel, was one of the three original Elephant 6 projects...
, Kevin Barnes
Kevin Barnes
Kevin L. Barnes is the singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter for the indie rock group Of Montreal, part of the Elephant 6 Collective. Barnes started the band on his own and, although providing several stories as to the origin of the name, is said to have named it after a failed romance...
of Of Montreal
Of Montreal
Of Montreal is an American rock band from Athens, Georgia. It was founded by frontman Kevin Barnes in 1996, named after a failed romance with a woman "of Montreal." The band is one of the bands of the Elephant 6 collective...
, and Jeff Mangum
Jeff Mangum
Jeff Mangum is a musician best known for being the lyricist, vocalist and guitarist of the band Neutral Milk Hotel, as well as being one of the cofounders of The Elephant 6 Recording Company. Mangum, along with the other founding members of the Elephant 6, attended Ruston High School in the late...
of Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel was an American indie rock band formed by singer, guitarist and songwriter Jeff Mangum in the early 1990s. The band was noted for its experimental sound, obscure lyrics and eclectic instrumentation....
.
Shortly following the release of When the Red King Comes, Elf Power collaborated with Dave Fridmann
Dave Fridmann
Dave Fridmann is an American record producer and musician. From 1990 onwards he co-produced all releases by Mercury Rev and The Flaming Lips...
, best known for his work with The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips are an American alternative rock band, formed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1983.Melodically, their sound contains lush, multi-layered, psychedelic rock arrangements, but lyrically their compositions show elements of space rock, including unusual song and album titles—such as "What...
, to record the album A Dream in Sound
A Dream in Sound
A Dream in Sound is the third full-length release from indie rock band Elf Power on the Arena Rock Recording Co. label. It was produced by longtime The Flaming Lips collaborator and Mercury Rev bassist Dave Fridmann....
. The album was again recorded with the help of Mangum and Barnes, as well as Scott Spillane
Scott Spillane
Scott Spillane is one of the leaders of the Athens, Georgia, USA band The Gerbils. He is also known for his work playing horns for Neutral Milk Hotel, and appearing on albums and in live shows by Elephant 6 artists such as The Olivia Tremor Control, of Montreal and Elf Power.-References:...
of Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel was an American indie rock band formed by singer, guitarist and songwriter Jeff Mangum in the early 1990s. The band was noted for its experimental sound, obscure lyrics and eclectic instrumentation....
and The Gerbils
The Gerbils
The Gerbils are an indie rock band that formed in Athens, GA in 1998. Part of the Elephant Six Collective, the band released two albums and toured nationwide during their tenure.-Bio:...
.
During the 1999 supporting tour for A Dream in Sound
A Dream in Sound
A Dream in Sound is the third full-length release from indie rock band Elf Power on the Arena Rock Recording Co. label. It was produced by longtime The Flaming Lips collaborator and Mercury Rev bassist Dave Fridmann....
, Adrian Finch joined the band to play violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
. Following the addition, the band recorded an EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
focused chiefly on cover material entitled Come On. Around this time, Vainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs was reissued with material from early sessions.
Early–mid 2000s
The band regrouped in late 2000 to record The Winter is Coming, again with help from members of other Elephant Six bands. Notably, the band spent this time as a supporting act for fellow AthensAthens, Georgia
Athens-Clarke County is a consolidated city–county in U.S. state of Georgia, in the northeastern part of the state, comprising the former City of Athens proper and Clarke County. The University of Georgia is located in this college town and is responsible for the initial growth of the city...
band R.E.M.
R.E.M.
R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry. One of the first popular alternative rock bands, R.E.M. gained early attention due to Buck's ringing, arpeggiated guitar style and Stipe's...
, as well as Wilco
Wilco
Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo following singer Jay Farrar's departure. Wilco's lineup has changed frequently, with only singer Jeff Tweedy and bassist John...
. Bryan Poole would exit the band for good following the European tour for the album to focus on solo work.
2002 saw the release of two albums from the band: Creatures, an effort released by spinART, and Nothing's Going to Happen, an album released on Orange Twin Records
Orange Twin Records
Orange Twin Records is an Athens, Georgia-based record label run by Laura Carter, a multi-instrumental member of Elephant 6 popsters Elf Power....
that contained various cover songs and the Come On
Come On (EP)
Come On is a seven-track EP by indie rock band Elf Power. It features five cover songs and a remix of the Elf Power song "The Separating Fault." The EP was later included on the 2002 Elf Power album Nothing's Going to Happen.-Track listing:...
EP. During this time, Finch left the lineup and Ballard Lesemann stepped in to play bass
Bass (instrument)
Bass describes musical instruments that produce tones in the low-pitched range. They belong to different families of instruments and can cover a wide range of musical roles...
.
In 2004, Elf Power released their seventh studio album Walking with the Beggar Boys. The album was released to notable media and critical praise and featured contributions from Vic Chesnutt
Vic Chesnutt
James Victor "Vic" Chesnutt was an American singer-songwriter from Athens, Georgia. His first album, Little, was released in 1990, but his breakthrough to commercial success didn't come until 1996 with the release of Sweet Relief II: Gravity of the Situation, a tribute album of mainstream artists...
.
The band released Back to the Web on Rykodisc
Rykodisc
Rykodisc Records is an American record label. It is owned by Warner Music Group, operates as a unit of WMG's Independent Label Group and is distributed through Alternative Distribution Alliance.-Company history:...
in April 2006, an album which featured bassist Derek Almstead. A tour of the United States and Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
followed. They were also chosen to play in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
2006 All Tomorrow's Parties
All Tomorrow's Parties (music festival)
All Tomorrow's Parties is a music festival which takes place at Camber Sands holiday camp in East Sussex and Butlin's holiday camp in Minehead, Somerset, England....
music festival curated by The Shins
The Shins
The Shins are an American indie rock band comprising singer, songwriter, and guitarist James Mercer, guitarist/bassist Dave Hernandez, Eric Johnson of Fruit Bats, drummer Joe Plummer and bassist Ron Lewis. Their sound draws on several musical genres, including pop, alternative rock, indie rock,...
.
2008–present
The band's ninth album In A Cave was released in March 2008 on RykodiscRykodisc
Rykodisc Records is an American record label. It is owned by Warner Music Group, operates as a unit of WMG's Independent Label Group and is distributed through Alternative Distribution Alliance.-Company history:...
. Their MySpace
MySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
page first described the project as "a lushly orchestrated mix of eclectic songwriting that is sure to conjure up memories of 1997's When the Red King Comes" and stressed its "more mature approach to arrangements, lyrics, and instrumentation."
Most recently, Elf Power collaborated with the late Vic Chesnutt
Vic Chesnutt
James Victor "Vic" Chesnutt was an American singer-songwriter from Athens, Georgia. His first album, Little, was released in 1990, but his breakthrough to commercial success didn't come until 1996 with the release of Sweet Relief II: Gravity of the Situation, a tribute album of mainstream artists...
. They released Dark Developments on the record label Orange Twin in 2008, which was supported by U.S. and European tours.
Albums
- Curse of Yoth-Bal-Tzar (cassette) - Self-Released (1994)
- Hekinah Degul (Cassette) - Self-Released (1994)
- Vainly Clutching at Phantom LimbsVainly Clutching at Phantom LimbsVainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs is the first full-length release by indie rock band Elf Power. It is a compact disc reissue of their debut LP and 7" single on the Arena Rock Recording Co...
- Self-released / Drug Racer / Arena Rock Recording Co.Arena Rock Recording Co.The Arena Rock Recording Company is an independent record label based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Albums are distributed by Redeye in the United States and Koch in Canada.-History:...
(1995/1999) - When the Red King ComesWhen the Red King ComesWhen the Red King Comes is the second album by Elephant 6 band Elf Power. It is a concept album about the Red King's kingdom.-Track listing:All songs written by Andrew Rieger unless otherwise noted.# "Step Through the Portal..."...
- Arena Rock Recording Co. / Elephant 6 (1997) - A Dream in SoundA Dream in SoundA Dream in Sound is the third full-length release from indie rock band Elf Power on the Arena Rock Recording Co. label. It was produced by longtime The Flaming Lips collaborator and Mercury Rev bassist Dave Fridmann....
- Arena Rock Recording Co. / Elephant 6 (1999) - The Winter Is ComingThe Winter is ComingThe Winter Is Coming is the fourth full-length album by indie rock band Elf Power.-Track listing:# "Embrace the Crimson Tide"# "Skeleton"# "The Great Society"# "The Winter Is Coming"# "Wings of Light"# "The Sun Is Forever"# "People Underneath"...
- Sugar Free Records / Elephant 6 (2000) - Creatures - spinART (2002)
- Nothing's Going to HappenNothing's Going to HappenNothing's Going to Happen is the sixth full-length album released by indie rock band Elf Power. It is a combination of previously unrecorded cover songs from a variety of the band's favorite artists, from T...
- Orange Twin (2002) - Walking with the Beggar BoysWalking With the Beggar BoysWalking with the Beggar Boys is the 2004 release by indie rock band Elf Power.It has a more Southern-Rock-influenced sound than its more psychedelic predecessors....
- Low Transit IndustriesLow Transit IndustriesLow Transit Industries is an independent record label founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2003.Artists:AlmaAviator LaneBatriderBlack MountainBlack NielsonBoddickerC.W. StonekingCo-PilgrimDisaster PlanDishpan FingersElf PowerFinishing School...
/ Orange Twin (2004) - Back to the WebBack to the WebBack to the Web is the eighth album by indie rock band Elf Power. It was released on Rykodisc in April 2006.-Track listing:#"Come Lie Down With Me " – 2:17#"An Old Familiar Scene" – 4:13#"Rolling Black Water" – 2:32...
- Rykodisc (2006) - Treasures from the Trash HeapTreasures From the Trash HeapTreasures from the Trash Heap is a tour-only album by indie rock band Elf Power. The album, only available from the band at their performances on the initial Back to the Web tour, is a collection of unreleased demos and live songs, as well as cover versions of songs by bands such as R.E.M., The...
- Self-Released (2006) - In a CaveIn a Cave-Track listing:All tracks written by Andrew Rieger, except where noted.#"Owl Cut " - 2:24#"Spiral Stairs" - 3:40#"A Tired Army" - 2:28#"Paralyzed" - 3:01#"New Lord" - 4:05...
- Rykodisc (2008) - Dark Developments (With Vic Chesnutt and the Amorphous Strums) - Orange Twin (2008)
- Elf Power - Orange Twin (2010)
EPs
- The Winter Hawk EPThe Winter Hawk EPThe Winter Hawk EP is an EP by the indie rock band Elf Power. It is a five-track EP originally released on 7" vinyl, later included on the CD release of Vainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs.-Track listing:# Grand Intrusion Call# Monster Surprise...
(Cassette/7") - Self-released / Kindercore RecordsKindercore RecordsKindercore Records is an independent record label based in Athens, Georgia, which was founded in 1996 by Ryan Lewis and Daniel Geller to document the emerging music scene in Athens, Georgia....
(1995) - Come OnCome On (EP)Come On is a seven-track EP by indie rock band Elf Power. It features five cover songs and a remix of the Elf Power song "The Separating Fault." The EP was later included on the 2002 Elf Power album Nothing's Going to Happen.-Track listing:...
- Drug Racer (1999)
Singles
- Kindercore Singles Slub: May split single with Great LakesGreat Lakes (band)Great Lakes is an American rock band originally from Athens, Georgia, loosely affiliated historically with the Elephant 6 Recording Company.The group is centered around the songwriting partnership of Dan Donahue and Ben Crum...
(7") - Kindercore Records (2000) - "Jane/Needles in the Camel's Eyes" - Shifty Disco (2000)
- "High Atop the Silver Branches" - Shifty Disco (2001)
- "The Naughty Villain" (7") - Shifty Disco (2002)
External links
- Official site
- Andrew Rieger's Discollective Mixtape
- Fabchannel.com - Watch the video of Elf Power live at Paradiso, Amsterdam
- [ Elf Power on Allmusic]
- Arena Rock Recording Co.
- "Head in the Clouds: The Lore of Elf Power" CBC Radio 3CBC Radio 3CBC Radio 3 is a radio station that consists of two parts devoted to Canadian arts and music: a radio service which is available on Sirius Satellite Radio and streaming audio, and several daily and weekly podcasts from the CBC Radio 3 website...
Live Concert Session; story by Lorraine Carpenter, photography by Adam Krawesky