Elephant9

Elephant9 is a musical monster, because music is at its purest and most powerful when it feels free, dynamic, and constantly evolving. In an era when music is—for the most part—constrained by electronic devices, fixed time frames, and rigid song structures, it’s refreshing to experience the exact opposite. The group’s members have a long history in bands such as Bigbang, Shining, Motorpsycho, and Supersilent, but it is only in the Elephant9 lineup that these three musicians have found the ultimate playground to showcase their eclectic tastes and musical abilities.

Torstein Lofthus’ thunderous and daring drumming, bassist Nikolai Hængsles’s steady, pounding rhythm, and the rich, uncompromising layers of sound from keyboardist and organist Ståle Storløkken deliver sounds and rhythmic structures that transcend boundaries, prompting music journalists to dig deep into their bag of tricks to find fitting descriptions: Tangerine Dream’s circular melodic themes have been mentioned, as has the fiery, phasing world of Jimi Hendrix. Other critics have cited John Coltrane, Deep Purple, and Fela Kuti—all artists who share the trait of having defied conventions and thereby stood the test of time. Nevertheless, Elephant9 has no desire whatsoever to be viewed as “retro,” as they embrace a new, chaotic era of music with open arms—one in which technology seems to have led people to leave hackneyed descriptions and references behind.

The blend of their shared tastes and unique musical talents allows Elephant9 to create an uncontrollable and extroverted sound that aims to enchant the audience.