The Elms

The Elms are the Christian equivalent to bands like the Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket. They boast a strong, Midwest, acoustic flavor on their first project, a five-song EP entitled The Elms. Lead vocalist and songwriter Owen Thomas is a gritty vocalist, and he sings with down-to-earth honesty that seems to work well with the song's pop sensibilities. Lyrically at times a few of the cuts appear overly simplistic, but overall the EP is an adequate offering. With the tune "You're Glowing," the Elms are at their finest. The cut is the disc's first single and boasts a memorable, heartfelt chorus. The song's groove is reminiscent of the the Normals' recent Top Ten offering "Everything." The Elms appear to have planted on fertile soil. If they stay close to their acoustic rock stylings, they should be as solid as an oak. ~ Steve Losey, All Music Guide