Glass Elevator

Step on Olympia’s Glass Elevator and you will be shot straight back into the depths of the musical revolution of the 1960s.

The four-piece ensemble of Jabe Jabberwock on guitar, Mars Carlson on bass and keyboards, Paul Vandall on drums and Wylie VanWenger on guitar (all members are given vocal credits) create a nostalgic, yet fresh sound on this album that mirrors the musical greats of four decades ago on their 2010 album “Psychic Battleship.”

“Psychic Battleship” covers a wide range of styles going from upbeat, catchy pop sounds to slowed-down, extended psychedelia with guitar and Jabberwock’s vocals leading the journey. The music is all original, while obviously inspired by the music that the band’s parents probably listened to.

Technically talented, Glass Elevator creates inspired, multi-faceted compositions and are able to create a variety of moods. Going from manic highs to spaced-out lows, “Psychic Battleship” could be a soundtrack for a short trip on hallucinogens.  

The album opens on a super happy, nearly childlike note with “Outside.” The bouncy, bubbly melody flows through a body of lyrics that tells the story of waking up and getting outside to greet the day. Full vocal harmonies are reminiscent of the happy-go-lucky pop sounds of the Mamas and the Papas.

“Outside” leads seamlessly into “Fresh Air,” which carries on the same upbeat, optimistic feel. “There’s so much to do, there’s so much to see.” “I know that we could live forever. If we want to/ I know that we could do whatever we want.”

“In And Out (Of Time)” is close to eight minutes of flowing instrumentation, accented by a blues-infused guitar solo and sparse, low and slow vocals. The lyrics convey being stuck in a dreamlike state. “I try to turn and run like hell/ but there’s something in the way/ I can’t wake and I cannot sleep/ lights flicker in and out of time/ I’m in and out of time.”

“The Rally” is by far the most rocking song on “Psychic Battleship,” and a passionate break midway through the album. Strong vocals inspire strength and motivation – a fight song of sorts for moving forward and taking control of your own future. Starting out strong and deliberately with phrases punctuated by drum beats, the tune moves into a more frantic, racing pace as it approaches the end of its short, unapologetic life as a song.

The album takes on a long, slow, ultra-mellow conclusion with its last three songs “Asleep at the Wheel,” “Where We’re All Going” and “Pretty Crazy.” Guitar always remains the focal point as listeners are able to kick back, relax and space out as the ambient sounds are as soothing as they are unobtrusive.

Glass Elevator proves themselves as bringers back of the past – recreating sounds of a past generation and keeping them relevant and accessible today. As a group of musicians, they work flawlessly in tandem creating strong music and moods for the listener to easily slip into.

Glass Elevator has two upcoming shows in Seattle: Aug. 4 at the Comet Tavern and Aug. 11 at the Rendezvous Jewelbox Theater.

For more information visit reverbnation.com/glasselevator.

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