Biography
In 1996, New York natives Christopher and Owen Thomas launched the Christian pop/rock outfit Just Visiting. Owen handled lead vocals, guitar, piano, and all songwriting duties, while Christopher supplied drums, percussion, and backing vocals. Their guitar-driven style drew frequent comparisons to the Foo Fighters, Oasis, and the Beatles. That same year the brothers elected to convert the project from a casual hobby into a full-time profession. The band launched an intensive touring schedule, playing clubs and festivals throughout the United States, and cut its debut independent album, Gardenshow. A second independent release, the 1998 album Just Visiting, followed soon after; among its tracks were “She Never Walked Away,” “Don’t Ever Let Me See You Cry,” and “Cast a Stone.”
In 1999 the group adopted the name the Elms. Within months it secured a deal with Sparrow Records, which issued the self-titled EP The Elms in 2000. The song “Lifeboat” from that EP reached the national Top 13. Over the ensuing years the Elms shared stages with the Waiting, Seven Day Jesus, the O.C. Supertones, Big Tent Revival, Sixpence None the Richer, and Delirious? Bassist Jeff Sutton contributed for more than two years before departing; Malcolm McLaughlin exited in 1999; guitarist James Thompson served from 1997 to 2000; and Florida bassist Matt Erickson came aboard in time to record the band’s first full-length Sparrow album.
That project, Big Surprise, introduced a sweetly catchy pop sensibility previously absent from the group’s sound. A 2002 co-headlining tour with Peter Frampton coincided with the release of Truth, Soul, Rock & Roll. After an extended break from both touring and recording, the Elms resurfaced in 2006 with Chess Hotel.
In 1999 the group adopted the name the Elms. Within months it secured a deal with Sparrow Records, which issued the self-titled EP The Elms in 2000. The song “Lifeboat” from that EP reached the national Top 13. Over the ensuing years the Elms shared stages with the Waiting, Seven Day Jesus, the O.C. Supertones, Big Tent Revival, Sixpence None the Richer, and Delirious? Bassist Jeff Sutton contributed for more than two years before departing; Malcolm McLaughlin exited in 1999; guitarist James Thompson served from 1997 to 2000; and Florida bassist Matt Erickson came aboard in time to record the band’s first full-length Sparrow album.
That project, Big Surprise, introduced a sweetly catchy pop sensibility previously absent from the group’s sound. A 2002 co-headlining tour with Peter Frampton coincided with the release of Truth, Soul, Rock & Roll. After an extended break from both touring and recording, the Elms resurfaced in 2006 with Chess Hotel.
Albums
Singles
