Elephant Revival is a folk music group from Colorado who formed in 2006. The band consists of Bonnie Paine (vocals, washboard, djembe, musical saw), Sage Cook (electric banjo/guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, viola, vocals), Dingo Rose (double-bass, mandolin, banjo, vocals), Daniel Rodriguez (acoustic guitar, electric banjo/guitar, vocals) and Bridget Law (fiddle and vocals). All members of the band are multi-instrumentalists and contribute to the song-writing process.
Their style of music is referred to as "transcendental folk," in the promotional material and the acoustic arrangements are certainly inspired by a whole host of influences and styles. Across these 12 tracks the individual musicians display a real mastery of their craft and the mix of instruments lends to some heady moments.
With two previous full releases to their name, plus an EP, Elephant Revival promotes the unseen connections that flow through the spirit of all things. The song arrangements and melodies are airy and light with the fiddle playing of Bridget Law strongly to the fore. One of the primary vocalists sounds very like Ani Di Franco which is no bad thing and the interplay between banjo, guitar and mandolin is a joy on some of the tracks, while the fiddle takes flight.
There are hidden gems like Down to the Sea and Remembering a Beginning while Grace of a Woman is particularly appealing in the delivery.