Elias – Lasting Distraction

Does the world really need another Muse?  Well, the answer depends on if the band in question can out-Muse Muse.  Otherwise we just have another copycat fighting for airplay in an effort to over saturate the airwaves with something we’ve already heard.  Thankfully, in the case of Vancouver’s Muse-like alternative act Elias, the band’s existence among its peers is generally a good thing.

Elias’ sound can best be described as a combination of Muse vocalist Mathew Bellamy, and Coldplay’s larger than life ambience.  Now I only have a five-song preview disc from the just-released Lasting Distraction on WAX records, so I can’t comment on the entire release, but I can say that the band demonstrates a fine command of their influences despite offering very little to call their own.

When the band outright imitates Muse, they’re at their best.  The band’s lead vocalist Brian Healy knows his vibrato, and in songs like “All We Want,” and to a lesser extent “Burn to the Ground,” his voice consistently grabs the listener’s attention.  When they’re in tune with their Muse side, Elias is consistently interesting; complete with unconventional chord progressions, exciting tempos, violin flourishes, and piano scales – there’s always something enjoyable going on.

But when they stray from their Muse side, they start losing their edge to the lure of conventional radio rock.  Tracks like “Thousand Pieces” try harnessing the reflective qualities of Radiohead and Coldplay, but stumble in execution.  The result feels generic and lacks the same personality established on the aforementioned pieces.  Thankfully though, on the fifth and final track, “Blow Away,” the band finally hits their stride in this regard, and revealing a lot of potential.  The track includes a variety of unique percussive moments, a well executed acoustic fade in, and a memorable chorus-verse structure eluding the usual suspects.  It’s in these instances that the Elias demonstrates its potential for growth.

While not exactly the most remarkable band out there, those who enjoy their lofty stadium rock will find something to like in Elias.  Granted, Elias won’t replace Coldplay or Muse, but it does offer a pleasing supplement.  There are quite a few misses in this preview disc, which unfortunately doesn’t bode too well for the actual full release.  This is a case where cherry picking on iTunes would be a good idea.  Here’s to hoping that with a little more time Elias finds a sound to call its own.