The Elected- Sun, Sun, Sun

So Guitarist/ Vocalist Blake Sennett from Rilo Kiley has formed an indie darling of a band known as The Elected. And what better for an indie darling band to do than sign with the indie record label, Sub Pop. Bless their souls for sending us this compact disk. Releasing their first debut album back in 2004, called “Me First,” set the foundation for the sound of the band with its wifty, wavy, California country guitar pop sound. Being recorded with Mike Mogis and Jimmy Tamborello, who leave their notable musical marks, the album was and is really bloody amazing. Than came the new Rilo Kiley album which whisked Blake away.

Now back with the Elected’s sophomore album, “Sun Sun Sun,” Blake (vocal and guitar), Mike Bloom (guitar/steel guitar), Nate Greely (bass) and Sander Steen (drums) are back. And they did it again. Sun Sun Sun is for the most part a finer tuned version of Me First. But it’s a sound on its own, so if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Take a page from the Chili Peppers or Postal Service. Speaking of which as you can tell by some of the names we’re throwing at you there is a definite love triangle of sorts going on between not only Jimmy Tamborello and Blake Sennett, but throw in lil ol’ Jenny Lewis and your probably scratching your head. But don’t. Cause if you look carefully at those album credits you’re find that theses guys love each other and work so well together on each other’s bands.

While Blake was in the studio recording Me First with Jimmy and wrapping up with Rilo Kiley’s second album tour and all, Jenny was recording with Jimmy and the Postal Service. And don’t forget that Sander Steen is lil bro to Ryland Steen who plays in Reel Big Fish. Go figure their all one big happy family. This is truly a hog-podge of musicians from different groups.

But The Elected are truly indie darlings, capitalizing on the new indie-alt-country sound with the story telling lyrics. They really do tell a story though out the album. And naturally if you like Rilo Kiley or the Postal Service (and in that case Death Cab for Cutie) you’ll love the Elected. But don’t get the wrong impression. They stand on their own.