Elk City - New Believers

Elk City's Renée LoBue (singer/songwriter) and Ray Ketchem (drummer/producer) have teamed with influential ex-Luna guitarist Sean Eden and ex-Lovelies bassist Barbara Endes on New Believers, the band's finest work to date. When recording began for New Believers back in 2004, neither member of the NYC-based Elk City knew what would become of it. Singer/Songwriter Renee LoBue had penned a notebook full of confessional, imaginative songs following the tumultuous departure of guitarist/vocalist Peter Langland-Hassan. Upon hearing LoBue's newly inspired voice, drummer/producer Ray Ketchem's mission was clear: the band would merge the soul of Dusty Springfield, the power of Patti Smith, the big sound of Phil Spector and the warped-pop sensibilities of The Breeders on an album that brought LoBue to the front. The band criss-crossed the US and Europe endlessly to promote their releases, touring with The Walkmen, Luna and The National. Elk City became the first group to sign with trailblazing French imprint Talitres and performed for more than 450,000 listeners on French radio. This new Elk City calls upon a wide palette of influences: Brill Building pop, 1960’s psychedelic bands such as Love, classic Motown, 1970’s proto-punk heroes John Cale and Television, and 1980’s alternative rock such as The Smiths and The Pixies. Never fearful of experimentation, these musicians are pushing new boundaries with their work, weaving Ketchem's ace production and LoBue's striking voice with the lyrical guitar of Eden atop Endes' solid foundation. New Believers closes with the promise "be set for more." With New Believers as example, there is much more in store for fans of Elk City.

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