Feature: A guide to Deep Elm Records

Deep Elm Records has been a mark of quality for the last twenty years, as each of its 200+ releases have rubber stamped the label as one of the taste makers in alternative music. They’ve given us some of the most influential and poignant bands from the second wave of emo-rock, the more respected punk-rock albums, and an impressive record for unearthing hidden gems from every corner of the world.

It’s a label loved by many, but one that has naturally faced the changing focus of consumers over the years too. With this in mind the North American based independent label, who have always shunned any advances from larger record companies, have just announced that every one of their prior releases is now available on a ‘name your price’ download basis. This is a huge statement and one which could potentially open up its doors to hundreds of new followers. This approach only works though if it brings increased publicity for its releases, and heavily relies on music fans dipping into their pockets rather than taking the easier option. Those who can’t afford to pay are pushed to share their download choices across social networks in the hope that friends will take up the offer too.

We salute this brave and exciting move and wanted to highlight just a few of the label’s great releases. Naturally this means that we’ve had to shun others and some difficult decisions have been made. We urge you to explore their catalogue for yourself too and we guarantee that you’ll find some of your new favourite bands.

Here are some suggestions on where to start:

The Appleseed Cast – ‘The End Of The Ring Wars’

Seen by many as one of the leading lights in the second wave of emo-rock in the late 90’s, behind bands such as Sunny Day Real Estate and Mineral, this Kansas based band are well known to most. Whilst their inclusion here was a foregone conclusion, the choice of albums was always going to be tough. ‘The End Of The Ring Wars’ joins ‘Low Level Owl’ v1 and v2, and ‘Mare Valis, as one of the most accomplished albums in this genre to date. Raw emotion meets majestic choruses and incredibly poignant vocals. The Appleseed Cast and Deep Elm come hand in hand and you really can’t go wrong with any of their releases. The Appleseed Cast are still going strong today and released their latest album in 2013.

Benton Falls – ‘Fighting Starlight’

With twinkling guitar lines and earnest vocals, Californian Benton Falls are perhaps the most a-typical of Deep Elm bands. The label specialises in poignant emo-rock like this with its powerful lyrics and subtle hooks. Perhaps 2003’s ‘Guilt Beats Hate’ is a more forceful and immediate release but the intimacy from ‘Fighting Starlight’ is met with dark and introvert vocals, leading to one reviewer declaring that you could ‘soak in the depression and sorrow’. Whether this is an accurate description certainly does rely on your mindset and many will find this thoughtful, reflective, but incredibly inspiring.

Latterman – ‘No Matter Where We Go…!’

Positive and uplifting punk-rock with very catchy melodies. Latterman, from New York, were the champions at combining political and social messages with anthemic tunes and their live shows sparked a great atmosphere. ‘No Matter Where We Go…!’ and ‘We Are Still Alive’ are two of Deep Elm’s most accessible releases to date and it was a sad moment when the band parted ways in 2007. Simple but incredibly effective. The members have since gone to form equally as revered bands such as Bridge & Tunnel, RVIVR, Iron Chic, and Daytrader. Quite a list.

Goonies Never Say Die – ‘No Words To Voice Our Hopes And Fears’

Blackpool’s answer to Explosion In The Sky, playing epic and cinematic instrumental tracks with suitably grandiose track titles. These scores are brilliantly aggressive in parts and then delicate and subtle moments later. You hear something new and exciting on each listen and as a result you really can’t fault the value. The band’s debut album, ‘In A Forest Without Trees’, is equally as stunning and can also be picked up from Deep Elm. Members of Goonies Never Say Die can also be found in Dinosaurs Are Shit Dragons, Ramonastone, Behind The Watchful Eyes, and Makers Of Venice.

Clair De Lune – ‘Marionettes’

‘Marionettes’ is exhilarating post-hardcore and one of the most accomplished debut albums you’ll hear. You have powerful and driven tracks blended, almost effortlessly, with poignant piano lines and tortured vocals. This is an unpredictable adventure – from the chaotic to the serene and one which is best appreciated in its full form. This Minneapolis five piece went on to release the excellent ‘Assisted Living’, also on Deep Elm, but remained largely unknown until their hiatus (from which they’ve never returned).

Settlefish – ‘The Plural Of The Choir’

From Bologna, Italy, Settlefish were a lively indie-rock band with really distinctive vocals and a penchant for an instrumental or two. ‘The Plural Of The Choir’ is at its best on the awesome ‘The Barnacle Beach’ which sees the Italians push bands like Hot Club de Paris and The Futureheads close for melodies. This album does need a touch of patience though as it can miss the mark but it’s worth persevering with. Settlefish toured the UK in 2005 but sadly didn’t catch the imagination of many.

Eleven Minutes Away – ‘Arson Followed Me Home’

A few eyebrows may be raised with this inclusion, but Canadians Eleven Minutes Away aren’t a band you’d traditionally associated with Deep Elm. With more than a passing resemblance to compatriots Boys Night Out, this is 12 tracks of fierce post-hardcore with a meaty scream and some great breakdowns. ‘P.S I Hate You’ has an anthemic quality that caught my attention immediately and ‘Danger Inc’ has this great change of focus that has kept me coming back for years. Initially panned by those expecting a more subtle emo-rock band, Eleven Minutes Away were my gateway into Deep Elm at a time when I was listening to harder hitting acts.

Small Arms Dealer – ‘Patron Saint Of Disappointment’

Not one to shirk striking out against organised religion, big corporations, or politics, Long Island’s Small Arms Dealer certainly lived the punk-rock ethos. With a great pace and a catchy melody they also knew how to draw the casual listener in through this album’s thirteen accessible tracks. They go hand in hand with fellow New Yorkers Latterman too – both a little rough around the edges and, rightfully, showing more passion for their music than the latest fashion. Debut album, ‘A Single Unifying Theory’, is also available from Deep Elm. Nowadays you’ll find members of Small Arms Dealer in the band Iron Chic.

Burns Out Bright – ‘Save Yourself A Lifetime’

One of Deep Elm’s forgotten but very accessible releases, ‘Save Yourself A Lifetime’ is testament to how a ‘name your price’ download can work. Prior to the label’s announcement I hadn’t heard of South Carolina’s Burns Out Bright and a week later I’m hooked on this album. It’s melodic pop-punk but with hints of harder hitting bands such as Thursday and earlier Brand New. You’ve got dual vocals fighting for attention, huge choruses, and a great spirit.

Our Lost Infantry – ‘The New Art History’

If one release could encapsulate the Deep Elm spirit it’s this debut album from Aldershot’s (UK) Our Lost Infantry. A little known band at the time of release and suddenly renowned within the space of a few days. These eight tracks form part of a self-coined ‘post-rock opera’ that takes you on an adventure which is both sublime and ambitious considering the band’s previous efforts. There are times when it falls a little flat, sure, but it’s an album that should be applauded. Since it’s release the band haven’t taken off as much as you would’ve hoped but they do leave their mark on this legendary label.