Search - Bigelf :: Cheat the Gallows

Big Elf - A Modern Day Nektar

Steven Sly | Kalamazoo, MI United States | 08/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been reading about Big Elf for a while now, but not heard any of their stuff, but decided to take the plunge with this album. Upon first listen they totally reminded me of someone, but I could not quite put my finger on who it was. Sure there are tons of influences here like The Beatles, Deep Purple, Stolen Babies, Uriah Heap, Queen, Pink Floyd and maybe even a little Jellyfish, but the band's music really reminded me of someone specific that was right on the tip of my brain that I couldn't come up with. Finally it hit me, the sound I was hearing, to my ears reminded me of a modern day version of Nektar. For those unfamiliar with Nektar they were (and are) a late 70's era progressive rock band that never became huge, but had (and continue to have) a cultish loyal following. Big Elf seems to channel the spirit of Nektar in their music, vocals, and lyrics to a large degree. This is not to say that Big Elf's music is derivative. Far from the case I find Big Elf to be one of the most refreshing young bands to come along in years. This album is full of great material that delves into progressive rock, hard rock, and even slightly into metal territory at times. Instrumentally the band are rock solid, and again the vocals and lyrics remind me a lot of Roye Albriton from Nektar. Big Elf has had a nice boost to their career in the past year being able to land opening slots on both extensive Porcupine Tree and Dream Theater greatly raising their profile. I have not had the chance to see this band live yet, but they have a great stage reputation. If you are looking for something different, a dose of prog mixed with 70's style hard rock, this album may be for you. One of the best albums of 2009 for sure."