Elysian Fields – “Definition”

Hey guys! I spent hours listening to the re-released pop-rock album “Definition” by the Utah band Elysian Fields which came out originally back in 1995, and having it on streaming platforms now is a wonderful treat. The whole record holds a beautiful connection to everyday human experiences, from chasing big dreams to the joy of finding love and the sadness of losing it.

Kerri Murray has incredible lead vocals that soar over the tracks. The songwriting by guitarist Mark Roos and keyboardist James Shumway is incredibly sharp. James Shumway also joins drummer Jeff Francom on backing vocals. Speaking of the rhythm section, Dale Sandberg plays bass guitar and Jeff Francom handles the drums perfectly. Francom is well known for his remarkable ability to sing while playing his drums at the same time. Sandberg also assisted producer Cliff Maag at the Record Lab, playing a major role in how the final sound production turned out.

The tracks themselves are incredibly memorable. “Staying With You” is a tender ballad about finding your soulmate, delivering pure pop-rock enjoyment. Then you have other major favorites like “Wings to Fly”, “My Fantasy”, and “When the Days Get Hot”. Every track captures an emotional connection to nature, which you can really notice in a track like “Desert Sky”. The rest of the record, including “Eternal Flame” and “Take My Hand,” rounds out a great listening experience.

I also want to mention the artwork. It shows a surreal white stone sculpture with a flame burning where the head should be, sitting in a green grassy field under a cloudy blue sky, framed nicely by a red curtain. It matches the creative spirit of the music beautifully.

This record is an absolute joy to experience from start to finish. Please follow Elysian Fields to stay updated about new releases in the rest of this year.