by L. Jeanette Strole for Amorphous Media Agency
Crissie Verhagen - Vocals
Chris Mizzone - Guitar, Vocals
Danny Papa - Guitar
Sal Ciaravino - Bass
Nick Acocella - Drums
Element 101's singer and lyricist, Crissie Verhagen, contemplates their new release ‘More than Motion.’ “Sometimes we almost become bored and complacent in life, but even in the midst of that, something can come into your life and just put it in a new direction and change things.” Thus, the prevailing theme on this album seems to be about change, new direction and growth. Verhagen illustrates how this album is a bit of a mile marker for the band. “It’s kind of symbolic of a lot of the changes that we’ve gone through the last few years, personally and collectively as a band, within our own relationships and in our lives. We’ve turned over so many new leaves, and it’s exciting to see this.”
Referring to itself as a miracle band, Element 101 has weathered many trials and occasionally the inexperience of youth and naivete, but has continued toward maturity, and integrity. After two previous releases on Tooth & Nail (‘Stereo Girl’ and ‘Future Plans Undecided’) the band has grown up a lot, and simmered down a bit from their poppy genesis, and tapped into a decidedly rock-oriented vein. Citing progressive rock influences such as Yes, and Pink Floyd, along with The Who, The Go-Go’s, and Blondie, these five Jersey- rockers, along with producers Bill Stevenson and Stephen Egerton (ALL, The Descendants), take a more dynamic turn with their music.
Eleven new songs range between the aggressive, the experimental, and even “trippy and laid back.” This new confidence accentuates their well-developed melodic flair. Verhagen explains that the lyrics are intimate but not necessarily obvious. ‘All the lyrics as a whole are really personal, but in a general sense.” She also asserts that the time spent performing live shows, and the experience of having done two previous records also has helped her experiment more vocally. “I think that people who liked us before will still like us and be into it, but I think this can include a larger audience now.”
Despite their lengthy tours together, the band insists that they are as close as they could be without being related. Verhagen laughs at the fact that even when they’re not out touring, they spend as much time together as they do on the road. The new album inspires the band to continue a heavy touring schedule throughout the summer and fall of 2002 in order to expose as many rock fans as possible to their new material. “We’ve learned to really have fun and play our very best, whether there are three-thousand kids there or thirty. It’s important for us to keep our integrity level high and remember why we’re doing what we’re doing.”