New Jersey's ELK CITY releases seventh album 'Undertow', one of 2023's top releases, via Magic Door Record Label

"Elk City’s cool and elegant sound draws on 1980s “dream pop” and bits of 1960s folk-rock" ~ The New York Times

"Sophisticated – vivacious, harmonious and memorable due to many factors, not least of all is the remarkable vocal timbre and convincing delivery of vocalist Renée LoBue, recalling Eddie Brickell at times and Jefferson Airplane’s Grace Slick at others" ~ Music-News.com

"Clever lyrics, winning arrangements and superb production, but with a seemingly darker underbelly... one of the best albums of 2023. From start to finish, this is a solid offering – a thoroughly pleasing and inspired aural experience" ~ The Spill Magazine


New Jersey art-rock outfit Elk City present their seventh album 'Undertow'. From the opening title track, this album sucks you into a different kind of record. Recorded, mixed and mastered by renowned producer (Guided By Voices, Luna, Gramercy Arms), this album was released via NJ-based Magic Door Record Label, co-founded by Guided by Voices' Kevin March, Ketchem and artist Renée LoBue.

'Undertow' was created with peculiar pop constructs built of rare materials, found only in the wilds behind Magic Door Recording Studio in Montclair, where Elk City meticulously built this record and this band a whole other way. Songs often begin with improvised live-jams that become load-bearing beams for layers of instrumentation and harmonies. Elk City’s live shows also push boundaries of what a band should be.

Founded by Renée LoBue and Ray Ketchem, Elk City is rounded out by Luna’s Sean Eden, Richard Baluyut (Versus) and Chris Robertson (Psychedelic Furs side project Feed, Punch Havana).

After seven albums, Elk City are still deliberately hard to define, still seekers, leading the listener on a journey to new sounds and feelings. And as long as they remain curious, they will report back what they have found, with albums like 'Undertow', packed with siren songs to lure you in and fill you with a devout ecstasy, body and soul. You came here looking for something. And now you know...  Welcome to Elk City.

Like their previous album 'Above the Water', this record is inspired by the band’s love of documentaries and films that explore the allure of cults and extreme alternative lifestyles. Ahead of this album, the band released the singles 'Tried To Move On' and 'Strong (You're Not Alone)'.

“The albums 'Undertow’ and ‘Above the Water’ were written and recorded simultaneously. We actually considered releasing them together as a double album. Numerous songs on ‘Undertow’ are long and sprawling and take the listener on unexpected adventures. But, of course, there are a few pop songs too,” says Ray Ketchem.

Renée LoBue adds, “Undertow is the darker continuation of our latest 'Above the Water' LP. As Ray mentioned, both records were recorded at the same time. Undertow stands alone as a listening experience. You can hear us going deeper into unchartered sonic waters.”

The 'Undertow' album is out now, available across fine digital outlets, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. 

CREDITS
Written and performed by Elk City
Renée LoBue - vocals
Sean Eden - guitars
Chris Robertson - guitars, backing vocals
Richard Baluyut - bass, synths, backing vocals
Ray Ketchem - drums, synths, sounds
Claudia Chopek - violin
Recorded, mixed and masted by Ray Ketchem
Produced by Ray Ketchem
Created at Magic Door Recording, Montclair, NJ
© 2023 sound is crazy music (BMI)
Single cover artwork by Renée LoBue
'Strong' video directed, filmed and edited by Ray Ketchem
featuring Renée LoBue, Chris Robertson and Richard Baluyut
'Strong' video filmed at Eagle Rock Reservation & Kip's Castle Park, Essex County NJ
Elk City live photos at the Bowery Ballroom by Eric Kayne