By: Dr. Matt Warnock
Ripcord is a raw, in your face, release by Portland Indie-Rock band Element 57. The album is threaded with thumping bass-lines, memorable melody lines and hard-driving guitar work, producing an album that appeals to fans of the modern rock genre, but also to the sophisticated rock-music crowd, all without isolating either camp. While the album draws some comparison to the Dave Matthews Band, it is never to the point of imitation. Every band has their influences, and Element 57 does a great job of letting those influences breath into their music without having them take over their own personality. The result is a sound that fans will find both steeped in the tradition and pushing forward in developing a new and unique take on the modern rock vernacular.
Element 57’s lead guitarist Chris Galyon provides enough shred, power-house chord work and tasty tone to satisfy any fan of the instrument. A song like “Spinning in All Directions” is a great example of Galyon’s multi-faceted ability as a guitarist. The song starts with a driving guitar riff that revs up the band and sets up the opening verse. Over top of the chordal intro, Galyon adds a melodic lead line that is brilliant in its simplicity. Though he posses the chops to tear the fretboard apart, he chooses a line that serves the moment, not his ego, further proof of his musical maturity. At the climax of the song Galyon digs into his bag of tricks and uses some interested pick-slide techniques that set up his short, yet tasteful, guitar solo. Throughout all of this the one thing that is consistent is Galyon’s solid tone. His use of effects only compliments and enhances the tone of his guitar, without being distracting or taking away from the music, something many young guitarists are often guilty of doing.
One of the most unique aspects of the band is their use of saxophone, especially in such a heavy context. While the DMB is well known for their use of the woodwind instrument, they have never played with the tenacity and heaviness that defines Element 57’s music. Songs like “Heavier” feature saxophonist Jason Wilbur in the forefront, in a very visible role, while other songs such as “Today” blend the instrument into the background where it thickens the sound without being overbearing. Though the saxophone is not a common hard-rock instrument, Element 57’s decision to go against the grain and feature the sax only adds to their musical personality and sets them apart from the sea of modern rock bands on the scene today.
Ripcord is a strong sophomore release, and one that will firmly propel the band into the next stage of their careers. With strong lyrical content, a mature sense of musicality and raw, rock energy, Element 57 is well on their way to establishing themselves as one of the Northwest’s top up and coming bands.
Links
Element 57 Homepage
Interview with Element 57 Guitarists Chris Galyon and Justin DeFreece
Ripcord on Amazon
