Musical Equilibrium

Elliot Root is a five-person alternative rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, arguably home of one of the most competitive music scenes in the world. Although the group is relatively young and fresh, their success in Nashville may be a strong indicator of future success. After releasing two EPs over the past few years, the group’s first full-length album is finally out. The group meticulously worked on writing and recording the album for a full year without having a defining sound that they were working to reach. Rather, they experimented and allowed the music to be born naturally. The end result is the 13-track album, Conjure.

Scott Kreuger, the lead vocalist, has a voice which is grounded on Earth, yet simultaneously floats above the clouds. Each song emits an aura of richness and emotion, with Kreuger’s vocals rounding it all out. Although the group did not work with a sound in mind throughout the writing process, the album is very whole. Each second of each song belongs and works well with the rest of the album. On the same note, each member is essential to the overall sound yet they do not overpower one another. The sound is perfectly balanced and well-rounded, while still maintaining a variety of styles. New techniques and intricacies blossom throughout each track, leaving listeners in a dreamlike state without feeling overwhelmed.

The album opens with “Suddenly Everything,” a unique introduction. Layers and layers of sound are slowly built through the 106-second composition. The song is analogous to a sun rising after a long night, warming the body in preparation for the rest of the album.

Although undeniably an alternative rock band, Elliot Root brings sounds of synthpop to the table in Conjure, specifically in tracks such as “Take Your Money” and “Lost Man Running.” One-third into the album, “Wicked Lies” is a highlight, and will make listeners feel the urge to sing along as guitar tactfully dances through the song. Through the rest of the collection, each track oozes with sincerity and intensity; even the slower or more melancholy tracks can be classified as anthems in this way. Conjure eventually closes with “Tomorrow,” a short track which features soft piano and gentle falsetto before tenderly fading.

Having performed with artists such as X Ambassadors, the Zac Brown Band and Lord Huron, Elliot Root is ready for the spotlight to shine on them, and this album shows it. It isn’t easy for music to transcend sound, but Elliot Root is able to achieve this. Conjure is an album to be experienced, not just heard.