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MUSIC

Cheers Elephant

By Katherine Silkaitis

Add Comment | Comments: 5 | Posted Jan. 14, 2009

photo by michael persico

Just like an iconic Delirium Tremens glass filled to the brim with its golden elixir, Philadelphia's Cheers Elephant just want people to relax and enjoy themselves.

"We're generally happy people," guitarist/vocalist Jordan del Rosario says with a laugh. With a drummer who sports year-round flip-flops and a live show they describe as energetic, drunken party time with dancing--and sometimes balloons--their laid-back, upbeat attitude isn't surprising.

On their self-titled debut album, the quartet effortlessly glides between genres and rhythms. Modern psych-folk drums and reverb slide easily into an Afro-Calypso melody that would bring tears to Paul Simon's eyes. Heartfelt ballads and feel-good, old-time country tunes fit handily between songs that draw heavily from rock bands ranging from Frank Zappa to the Beatles.

"A lot of bands say they're eclectic, and it's cliche, but it's really true," says guitarist/vocalist Derek Krzywicki.

"Our sound is original," says bassist Matt Rothstein agreeingly. "It seems to take in many genres of music and place it into one thing." Adding instruments like slide guitar, sitar, flute and saxophone only furthers their claim, though Krzywicki is quick to point out that it's not a gimmick. "We're not trying to do much besides sound good and keep ourselves interested," he says.

But the band, which also includes drummer Roberto Kingston, has had the album finished since May, with some tracks even recorded three years ago. In that time their sound has changed--so much so that they've already begun writing songs for another record, which they hope to release within the year.

"It's full-throttle from this point forward," says Krzywicki with a grin.

Sat., Jan. 17, 9pm. $8. With the New Connection + Creaky Boards + Mr. Radar. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar sts. 215.787.0488. www.northstarbar.com