Elephant Revival
Petals
Reviewed by: Tiffany Taylor
Elephant Revival, a harmonious folk-esque group, fuse nature and the beauty of life into an eloquent album they call Petals. A soft, classical tone that is accompanied by instruments such as the cello and steel drum- it breathes something magical, something untouchable. Elephant Revival is certainly one of a kind and they showcase it through the combination of each lyric with the pulse of each melody. Eleven tracks paint notes and stories into the mind of each listener, appealing to them emotionally and almost spiritually.
The album opens with “Hello You Who” which is a pillow of strings and percussion that speak softly and sweet. This is the beginning, a ‘hello’ to new life and new listeners who are encouraged to begin a journey with Elephant Revival, a journey they have never taken before. Each track sways into one another, with “Peace Tonight” and “Petals” it takes you to a place of warmth and solitude. The transition between voices is melodic and just noticeable to the point of high regard for the talent between the quintet.
Floating into the middle of the album, we begin with “Raindrops”. It’s a beautiful and intricate piece full of the octave fiddle beaming with every instrument complimenting it flawlessly. There is hardly a thing wrong with anything Elephant Revival did on this album. “Season Song” speaks of birth and rebirth and the beauty of nature. This just helps preach their album and message of nature and how much it means to the group and their lives. Nature is vulnerable and that is exactly what is showcased in Petals from beginning to end.
There is something so tender and gentle about Petals. It is almost impossible to describe unless you let your ears be taken over by each song. Elephant Revival successfully combines class and elegance with raw emotion and restraint, producing an album that should be valued as timeless. Each song breathes a story of love, life, beginnings, and ends. Just as Elephant Revival sings, “These petals were intended for giving release.”
Rating: Iconic
