Absent Elk
are a British pop rock band who formed in 2008. They have released two singles to date, with an album to be released in August 2009. Their cover version of Girls Aloud's The Loving Kind
posted on Youtube became a small phenomenon, and led to them being invited to support Girls Aloud on the first leg of their Out of Control Tour in spring 2009. Their next Youtube cover, a rendition of Lady Ga Ga's Poker Face, was uploaded shortly before the announcement of a UK tour in June. The band's name comes from their Norwegian influence, as the band's lead vocalist, Kjetil Morland, is from Norway.
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ABSENT ELK TICKETS
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History
With the exception of Morland, the band members met at
Kings Manor Community College in
Shoreham-By-Sea and in late 1990s played extensively in the
Brighton area under the name
Locals Only. They became an integral part of the
Shoreham Beach surf music culture, which was reflected in their sound with many lyrics referencing the beach, sun and a relaxed way of life. Locals Only played alongside other bands from the area who also experienced some underground success, most notably
My Deaf Audio,
Naakers Bones and
Birdhouse (for whom Ric Wilson filled in on drumming duties during the summer of 2000.) During this period, the band was fronted by vocalist Steve Feniuk, who went on to form the Latin-funk group
Carlo Sandblow.
It was in 2004 that the remaining members met Morland by chance in
Shoreham-By-Sea at the town's famous Red Lion Beer Festival, to where he had travelled from Norway to visit his girlfriend. This completed the band's current line-up.
In 2008 the band supported headlining acts
The Script and
The Hoosiers, and in 2009 were invited to support
Girls Aloud on the aforementioned tour. The band released
Sun and Water in may, and toured the UK in June. Their debut album is due to be released in August.
Discography
Singles
| Title
| Release Date
| Label
|
| Sun and Water
| May 17 2009
| BMG
|
| Emily
| August 3 2009
| BMG
|
Albums
| Title
| Release Date
| Label
|
| Album
| August 10 2009
| BMG
|
Band members
- Kjetil Morland - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
- Ric Wilson - Drums, Backing Vocals
- James Penhallow - Bass
- Ross Martin - Guitar, Keyboard
- Mike Hillman - Guitar, Backing Vocals
References