Cheers Elephant: Like Wind Blows Fire

Cheers Elephant
Like Wind Blows Fire
Self-Released [2012]









 Fire Note Says: Philly's Cheers Elephant have crafted an excellent indie pop record with their third LP, Like Wind Blows Fire.

Album Review:
When an album opens up with a strong one-two punch like "Peoples" and "Doin' It, Right", I immediately take notice and think to myself, "where is the inevitable drop-off going to be?" Philadelphia's Cheers Elephant have crafted an album that has no drop-off, it is top notch, catchy indie pop straight thru to the end.

The band, Derek Krywicki - guitar/lead vocals, Travelin' Mat - bass/vocals, Jordan del Rosario - lead guitar/vocals, Robert Kingsly - drums, have great chemistry, which gives the album the feel of being unforced. It's catchy and well played, but not overly so, the songs sound lived in and organic, not over baked. They knew when to stop working on the arrangements and just capture the feeling.

Songs like "Doin' It, Right" and "Party On Darwin" give Like Wind Blows Fire that toe tapping, head bobbing feeling that the best up-tempo songs by bands like The Shins and Beulah do. It's not all an up-tempo party, songs like "Little Dog" and "Falling Out" slow things down and provide excellent pacing for the album, while maintaining the harmonies and melodies that remain lodged in your head.

Album closer "Balloon In The City" goes off on a rootsy psychedelic tangent that recalls the best of early My Morning Jacket, without ever outright sounding like an MMJ song. It's a fantastic closer to an exciting indie pop record!

Key Tracks: "Doin' It, Right", "Balloon In The City", "Falling Out"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Shins
Beulah
Dr. Dog

Cheers Elephant Website
Cheers Elephant Facebook

-Reviewed by Kevin Poindexter