New Blood: Elks

Elks are a North London-based group consisting of three members whose resulting sound - a combination of intelligent rock songs that are raw, ragged, melodic and experimental all at once - is just as elusive yet endearing as their name might suggest.

Though some influences and similarities may be boldly evident in their material, it's best to allow Elks' work - still in it's somewhat virginal stage - speak for itself. Guitarist and vocalist Rob Herian seems to view the intentions of the band in a similarly limitless fashion. "Elks is a free-thinking band and we have never tied ourselves to a scene or trend." he asserts. "Our influences are far too diverse to warrant that."

Frequently crossing paths over the course of more than a decade, the band first met whilst involved with various other projects. With a stockpile of diverse musical experience between them, Elks thrive on each member's unique input. "We all bring our own take to the songs, there's no one writer and even better, there are no leading egos." Herian explains, as though dodging a bullet. "Thankfully it's almost always a constructive relationship."

Appearing to flourish with this open-minded and free flowing approach, Herian isn't deterred by the notion that it's initially going to turn some people off, as he explains: "Ultimately this music reflects us as people and that's what I love about it. It's not music that panders to trends, so if it doesn't click with all the people all of the time so be it...we're confident that everyone will get it eventually in some way shape or form."

Interlinking with the everyday activities of the band is the running of Great Outdoors, an independent record label set up by Herlan and co. It's an endeavour that has since resulted in the co-release of Elks' self-titled debut album with close friends, Unlabel. Though this was not always the intention, but rather, "more of a coincidence", it would seem that the band favour the DIY approach. "A hundred percent!" exclaims Herian, genuinely positive. "However," he continues "what often gets overlooked is that DIY should be as much about collective ideas and support as it is about individual bands and artists."

Recognising the difficulty of running a label in the current climate, Herlan seems confident about where he fits in. "There is little room for so-called record companies these days. They are serving a more and more limited purpose, however, offering a place under which artists and bands can collect and galvanize is probably more important than ever and that's what The Great Outdoors is really all about. Safety in numbers!"

With one album already under the belt and enough touring and label managing to keep them perpetually busy, what exactly does the future hold for Elks? "We just want to play more and more," says Herlan. "We love doing this, and although we are nowhere near quitting time as far as our jobs are concerned, we all want this band to grow and become the best it can be."