A hiatus is good for any band, as long as that band spends it wisely. The latest examples of this are the two seven-inch records released by the Louisville-based outfit, Elliott.
The sound of Elliott’s newest records, If They Do (Initial) and Will You (Revelation) shows the four-piece’s self-imposed exile last spring produced the desired result: a sound both arresting and fully realized.
The records are two chapters of the same book. Beginning with Waiting While Under Paralysis (If They Do) singer/guitarist Chris Higdon’s ambiguous poetry continues a theme present in much of the band’s material: characters who straddle the line between hopelessness and happiness throughout their lives.
The strength of Waiting comes shining through when the band builds slowly into an overwhelming crescendo punctuated by drummer Kevin Ratterman’s stop-start rhythms, Jay Palumbo’s uplifting riffs, and Higdon’s intense vocal style. As Arson continues the intensity, then trails off into a weak ending.
Redeeming If They Do is an acoustic version of the earnest Halfway Pretty, a song originally released on the Elliott’s first seven-inch, In Transit.
Past material from that seven-inch, which was recorded four years ago, is included on the CD format, but instead of adding anything to the record, the old songs feel inconsistent.
Will You, a vinyl-only release, shows Elliott’s ability at melding electronic backbeats with hypnotic guitar and, once again, Higdon’s signature vocals. Calvary Song starts with an oddly timed melody that’s barely audible, before the band crushes you with a triumphant, driven splash of its trademark honesty. The drums act as a cliffhanger on Calvary while the guitars float along and Higdon explores his voluminous range
Truth be told, though, the recorded Elliott is only half the loaf. The band is on tour through the end of this month, and if you want a truly unique, mesmerizing experience you should catch them live.

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