Crissie Verhagen's much improved vocal delivery and the band's greater ability to fill out their melodies, on top of what seems to be better overall production, allows Element 101's new album, Stereo Girl, to be more of what Future Plans Undecided hinted at. Somewhere along the way, Element 101 was tagged as a 'pop-punk' band -- probably for marketing purposes -- but there is nothing punk about this album, and there hasn't really been anything punk present in their past releases either. So, hang marketing and genre cliches, let's just call it what it is -- straightforward melody based popular rock 'n' roll with endearing chick vox. Of course, that's difficult to squeeze into a 'Music Recommendation Chart,' and a little laborious for an ad slogan -- although it might make for a good press kit quote. How about 'Romantic Rock' or 'Driving Pop'?
Anyway, Element 101 -- yeah -- they wrote some really catchy pop-rock songs for this album. "A Desperate Plea for the Retaliation of the Mundane" is a cool instrumental. "To Whom it May Concern" is bop-bop-elicious. "Dead Romance Language" has a keen sway-sway chorus, although there are some really awkward bridge transitions that seem like mistakes, but the multi-faceted song progression was a noble and noted risk. "20 Years in the Making" drones on like a lot of the songs on Future..., and should have been cut. "Standing at the Edge" has a powerful intro, and wonderful timing elements -- LOVE the drums -- and is a great song altogether with noticeable low-end and remarkably controlled singing that fits perfectly with the melody and breakdowns. "Today and Always" bobs and weaves like a ditty. And the album eventually closes shop with "Silhouettes," a reflective number reminiscent of an MxPx ballad on the mellow. Word.
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Tom BastianTooth and Nail. The Jersey-based, girl-fronted, punk-influenced pop band's third album, was recorded and produced by Stephen Egerton and Bill Stevenson (Descendents/All) at their studio in Colorado. Check out their web site at www.element101.com Element101 has brought us an album that lends a breath of fresh air to a genre that has definitely been done over and over again. On Stereo Girl Element…Decapolis 2001Reviewed by ChrisTooth and Nail. The Jersey-based, girl-fronted, punk-influenced pop band's third album, was recorded and produced by Stephen Egerton and Bill Stevenson (Descendents/All) at their studio in Colorado. Check out their web site at www.element101.com There aren't enough bands these days who don't just sound like a mish-mash of other bands and influences, but who come out with something fresh, unique,…Art for the Ears 2001Reviewed by Marco PovervestPunkish pop ditties, that's perhaps the best way for me to describe the songs of this New Jersey band. Compared to their previous musical piece this disc is even more poppy and less punky. The punkish twist is still clear in some of the songs (Just To Like You) but it's pushed further in the back now. The focus is on the fragile vocal pop styled singing of Crissie Verhagen and the rocking…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Matthew RiddleThere are many, many, many, bands in this world, some good, some not. We all compare bands to other bands: "They sound a lot like...." In reviews, I often list a few artists of similar style and sound to give you, the assiduous reader of my ramblings, an idea of what to expect when the reviewed album is listened to. I admit that with Element 101 I got nothing. This quintet from New Jersey plays a…Similar sounding releases
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