Reviews

Certain band names evoke certain styles.

Joel: Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar

The Sex Pistols could only have been a punk band, Porcupine Tree could only ever be a progressive rock act and Alvin and the Chipmunks - well, the less said the better.

With a name like The Elevation, you might be forgiven for thinking that this review's subjects were a sixties/seventies soul act to match the likes of The Delfonics or The Temptations.

Nothing could be further from the truth. This four piece from Cheltenham are in fact a group of Twenty First Century purveyors of Noughties indie.

A Noughty Band

The band tread a path roughly parallel with those walked by Blue Noise and The New Socials.

For slightly more well known comparisons, references to The Bluetones (see "Is It Really Worth It?" and "Jealousy") , Oasis ("The Last Goodbye") and The Young Knives ("Disappear") would not be misplaced.

The band have done the music listening public the great service of uploading their "Against the Grain" E.P. onto the musical behemoth that is Myspace.

There are six songs in total - a local musical treat for anyone who...likes local music.

Josh: Lead Guitar

Broken Hearts

The songs' content cover the familiar terrain of broken hearts and a need to move on.

Lines like "People come in and out your life/then people disappear" (from "Disappear") have all been heard before, but they are delivered with such a sense desperation and bewilderment that such foibles can be excused.

Oh, plus there's a fantastic reggae-ish guitar solo towards the end. What more could a music reviewer want?

The sense of poignancy is best expressed on the stand out track "Is It Really Worth It?".

With an introduction featuring a single jangly acoustic the mood is quickly set for the opening line of "You're not worth holding onto".

Thus follows a song of adolescent longing that will haunt anyone who has loved and lost.

Dan: Bass Guitar, Vocals

The Quick and the Dread

It's a theme that carries on through the slightly louder "Jealousy".

For all its upbeat positivity "Forever" also hints at insecurities and fears for the future ("I love you forever/is that not enough?").

But the best thing about it is the introduction which has its foot firmly on the accelerator pedal, only subsiding when it's time for the vocals to kick in.

"Dimmed Out Lights" takes a brief diversion from heartbreak with observations about doing the right thing - interrupted by a self knowing lyric about not having the time to finish off the song properly.

Which may be lazy, pretentious or incredibly witty - depending on how the listener is feeling at the time.

Still there's a nod towards The Stranglers with the instrumental. And that can't be bad.

Lars: Drums, Percussion

(Why Bother) Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Last track, meanwhile, is an Oasis-by-numbers fest (minus the Gallagher snarl).

It's a so-so track but not likely to win the band any Grammies and proves beyond doubt that they make a much better original act than they would do a covers band.

But for this track's unsuccessful foray into "What's The Story" territory, The Elevation have established a style of their own which reflects previous acts' past glories but gives them an individual spin.

Whether or not they make every sub-editor's day and find themselves "On the Up" remains to be seen.

But, like an old school friend, it would be good to hear from them again sometime.

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If you're involved in the Gloucestershire music scene and you would like Stephen to review your music, please feel free to get in touch. Either email gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk or send your album and a bit about yourself to:

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This article is an external contribution and expresses a personal opinion, not the views of the BBC.