Album Notes

In the wacky world of rock and roll, when it comes to making albums, there are generally two kinds of bands: those that blow their entire creative wad on the first effort and spend the rest of their career recycling every idea from that initial shot (e.g. the Cars, Boston, and, more recently, the Stokes and Interpol), and those that use their inaugural effort as the jumping off place to a consistently (for the most part, anyway) compelling career (e.g. Led Zeppelin, Eagles, Steely Dan, R.E.M., and Death Cab For Cutie to name a few). I’m extremely happy to report that, after listening to the group’s third album No More Rainbows, Even Elroy falls into the latter category.

From the first track, \"Closet\", it’s very evident that songwriter/lead singer Jeff Michaels has done some maturing--in both his writing and outlook on life. These songs are more sophisticated both lyrically and musically, and--I dare say--more personal than those from album number two, Nothing’s Really Changed. On the band’s website, Michaels has commented on his newfound willingness to share his personal experiences with the world and his openness pays off in songs like \"Maybe Someday Soon\", \"All the Stars\", \"Babies and Dogs\" and \"This Life\". As for the music, the more complex arrangements--reminiscent of ace pop bands Crowded House, Squeeze, and Cheap Trick--definitely suit the songs and don’t prove more than the boys can handle. Although single \"No More Rainbows\" is a delicate piece of pop perfection that would sound fantastic on the radio, it’s the infectious chorus of \"Girls Kissing Girls\" that I can’t get out of my head. Guys, do yourselves a favor and make this song the second single pronto.

Ever since the late 70’s it’s been difficult for \"pure\" pop bands to be taken seriously in the music marketplace; everyone from Squeeze to Jellyfish to the Posies to Ben Folds Five has had to struggle for mainstream credibility and sales; only the critics really \"got it\". No More Rainbows may not get the radio airing or sell as many copies as it so richly deserves, but Even Elroy can take pleasure in knowing that this critic \"gets it\" and that they maintain standards set by the best, which should make them proud.

~Gina Morris, Evolution of Media