Sunday, August 17, 2008

5 Elements debuts CD

By Sarah Poulton

YOUNGSTOWN — After playing together for six years, and knowing each other since grade school, 5 Elements released their self=titled CD and DVD combo Sunday at VexFest 5.

Recorded at Underdog Studios in Hubbard, the CD features eight songs, including fan favorites, “Mutant Shredder,” “Arturo” and of course, “Chillin' Irie.”

Singers Brr and P* (yes, that's how they actually refer to each other) say the CD has been in the works for a little more than a year, but the songs have been around in some form for quite some time.

“We've known each other pretty much our entire lives,” P* said. “We used to practice little stuff— freedom jam sessions, and over time, it turned into collective song-writing.”

They say they recorded their first track in May 2007, but ran into issues along the way — including broken computers and a lack of studio time — so their CD was released later than they originally hoped.

“We'd go in the studio for like a three-hour session, party for two hours and work for one,” P* said. “It's a good representation of what our lives have been like for the past six years.”

Though the CD and DVD are out, the CD isn't mastered and the DVD doesn't have a menu. Brr said he hopes this first batch goes over well with fans so they can get them finished.

“The past three weeks, anything that could have gone wrong, it did,” Brr said. “Man, I wonder if there's anyone else who put this much time into it.”

Nick agreed: “Last night, we had like a .... assembly line going, trying to finish packaging them.”

Though it's not perfect, 5 Elements' debut work is like a portable party. Their powerful mix of rock and reggae-hop is sure to please any of their fans.

Apparently, that's what they were going for.

“A good vibration, that's about it,” P* said.

The DVD is packed full of 5 Elements coverage, dating back to 2002. As well as original music videos, random footage of the guys hanging out, and a spoof on ruKus radio's Trevor Quillan, the DVD also features popular songs they cover, including “Caress me Down” by Sublime and “Ragga Muffin” by reggae legends Gregory Issacs and Dennis Brown.

“It's kind of our roots section,” P* said. “It's what inspires us to play.”

Brr said this CD is somewhat of a milestone for them because they've wanted to make one for a long time, and they're pleased with the overall turnout.

“I feel it's what we've been working on since I got out of high school in 2000,” Brr said. “Some kids go to college; I formed a band. I spent my graduation money on a turntable.”

Thursday night, 5 Elements will be opening for Foreigner at Eastwood Field in Niles. Some fans have told them that it's a little hard to imagine, but the group said they're unusually popular with fans from that generation.

“A lot of people are like — 'What the fuck is 5 Elements opening for Foreigner for?' ” P* said. “It's weird how older people dig our stuff.”

5 Elements plays VexFest 5 at 8:25 tonight on the West Stage. On Friday, they will play Party on the Plaza in downtown Youngstown, and in September, they're playing a benefit show at Barleys.