Loco Locals: ELI

Ahhh crud…what happened? I’m feeling nastier than a Waffle House toilet. I got them dark circles under my eyes, my lower back is covered in welts and I can’t remember the last time I had a solid bowel movement. The sad thing is, it’s not the swine flu. Actually, it’s worse. It’s platypus gonorrhea. What can I say? I’m attracted to duck bills, and that furry little flapper was practically begging for it. Seriously, her humps, her humps, her lovely lady lumps…indeed.

I was in a coma for a solid month, but the first thing I said when they pulled me from the hyperbaric chamber was “LOCO LOCALS!” You see, I’ve got four interviews with some of Birmingham’s best underground bands just sitting on my MAC, and that’s just no good. So, firstly, allow me to publicly apologize for getting amorous with platypus Jane from Atlanta Zoo. How was I supposed to know it was kindergarten field trip day? I’ll admit it. I’m no better than Michael Vick, and I am terribly ashamed of the 97.8 seconds of passion that platypus Jane and I shared. Secondly, I apologize for making my dedicated readers stay up at night worrying about my writing output. I’m back and I’m not shooting blanks.

All that aside, this Loco Local is all about ELI. When you think ELI, you should think atmosphere and space. Their music is heavy yet listenable – intense yet artful. The band’s nameless demo tracks on MySpace are instrumentals, and they give you a decent idea of the band’s sound. But, I think the band really excels when playing live. In person, the band sounds a ton heavier, and the atmospherics are definitely amped up a notch or two. Wide open rhythms and echoing guitars. Catchy beats and emotional performances.

ELI members Sean, Ryan and Marko answered my poop-worthy questions as a group:
Phil: Do you guys have something against song titles and vocals?

ELI: As for song titles no we don’t at all. We just didn’t want to make up names for the demo tracks. Vocals aren’t always necessary to express yourself through music.

Phil: Please tell me you didn’t name your band after Eli Gold.

ELI: Well Marko didn’t even know who that was until right now, so no. Roll tide.

Phil: Which illicit substances do you recommend for ELI listening pleasure?

ELI: Anything goes at Eli shows. That’s our new motto.

Phil: If ELI had a dill pickle eating competition, which member would win and why?

ELI: Ryan… because he chugs pickle juice.

Phil: If NBC wanted to use your music as the theme for a Winter Olympics sport, which event would you choose?

ELI: Whichever winter sports include huge mountains, people hauling ass on skis, and the dudes in aerodynamic suits.

Phil: What would be the first item on your concert rider?

ELI: We couldn’t decide on one so here’s a list of things: Vintage Playboys and Orange Jubilee.

The good: The live show. I had sent the Loco Locals request before I saw the band live, and I was glad I had because I was blown away by their live set. They’re one of those bands where you should get close and let the music just envelop you.

The bad: Nothing! Okay, I guess space/art/shoegazer metal is a little trendy right now. But I don’t give a damn. All I can think about is seeing ELI live again soon. Trends be damned!

Yep, I’m glad to say ELI actually has the full bham.fm seal of approval. Most of the bham.fm team saw the band at the Greencup Battle of the Bands a couple of months back. And everyone fell head over heels for them. So much so that we’ve got them lined up to play our special Halloween show TONIGHT at the Speakeasy. Sure, I had to bribe them with vintage Playboys and orange jubilee, but I think it will be worth it. Show up if you want your ears to ring.

www.myspace.com/elichangesyou