Ordinary Elephant (from the album Ordinary Elephants

Ordinary Elephant (from the album Ordinary Elephants

Ordinary Elephant (from the album Ordinary Elephants available on Berkalin Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Their unusual name aside, Ordinary Elephant obviously don’t strive to be ordinary, even though they hold to the notion that the elephant in the room is all about maintaining a certain Folk finery. If their sound seems somewhat twee at times, it’s obviously also intended. In this case, the duo — Crystal and Pete Damore — opt for a markedly stripped-down sound that represents their purest and most personal effort yet.  It finds them laying bare their emotions, courtesy of little more than a simple pluck and strum. Oftentimes it requires one to lean and listen, so as to not miss any single note or nuance.
 
Naturally, that’s a fanciful combination, one that’s more or less expressed in the opening track “Once Upon A Time”:
 
‘Tell me that story again darlin’
The one where we all end up alright…
Wasn’t it true once upon a time?’

That sort of optimism is rare these days, but it seems to suit Ordinary Elephant just fine. The kudos that accompanied their album Before I Go — which included a win for the International Folk Music Award for Artist of the Year — clearly seemed to attest to that. But then again, it’s also obvious that the pair possess an unwavering sense of conviction, which is so necessary when one takes an organic approach. Relying on banjo, guitar, and octave mandolin, the music weaves its tender tones. As a result, the mellow, meandering sound of “The Prophet”, the meditative musings of “Midlife”, and the calming caress embedded in the upward gaze of “Joy Has Not Forgotten Me” convey a feeling of unyielding optimism, patience, and purpose. So, while the rest of the album keeps to the same low-level designs, the overall effect is one of of serene and cerebral circumstance.
 
Granted, at the same time, it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish one song from another. Yet, given the idyllic environs that Ordinary Elephant tend to survey, it’s hard to quibble with such solace and assurance. It’s a restful respite indeed. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Ordinary Elephant from AMAZON
For more info, check out the Ordinary Elephant website