Formed in 2000 by brothers Owen & Christopher Thomas, 2001 saw the release of their debut full-length album, the Britpop-infused THE BIG SURPRISE (EMI / Capitol), which yielded top 10 charting CHR singles “Hey Hey” and “Lifeboat.” 2002 saw the release of the band’s critically-acclaimed sophomore album, TRUTH, SOUL, ROCK & ROLL, which embraced a more raw sound and prominently featured the work of lead guitarist Thomas Daugherty. 2003 saw the departure of original bassist Keith Lee Miller, who was replaced by Nathan W. Bennett. The lineup would remain unchanged until THE ELMS' disbandment in 2010.
THE ELMS released their third album, THE CHESS HOTEL, on May 2, 2006 via Universal South Records. The band’s final album, THE GREAT AMERICAN MIDRANGE, was released on September 15, 2009 via the band’s own Trust, Inc. label. It peaked at #18 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and was THE ELMS' highest-charting album of their career, with the single “Back To Indiana” becoming their first to impact Top 40 radio and gain attention via its use in NFL, MLB, and IndyCar television broadcasts. The album’s blistering song “The Shake” was featured in EA Sports’ hockey video game NHL 2009, leading to the song becoming the band’s most streamed track on Spotify.
In 2020, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of THE ELMS' formation, a 20-track b-sides and rarities collection entitled SIDETRACKED (RARITIES 2000-2010) was released, as was a 4-LP vinyl collection entitled THE ELMS: THE COMPLETE STUDIO ALBUMS.
THE ELMS maintain a vibrant and loyal fanbase, and streaming platforms continue to introduce the band’s catalog to new fans every month.
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