Elos Arma

There’s a moment in your favorite song that’s indescribable, maybe the tempo shifts or there’s a line that you simply connect to more than any other line. Whatever the case, these moments are often times what makes a song your favorite and allows it to stand out from the crowd. Elos Arma, the four-piece from Toronto play a brand of indie rock that facilitates such moments.

Mother/Father starts off with a song entitled “We Play for Keeps”; with this song at first it may seem that you’re listening to mostly uninteresting carefree indie pop with the opener’s bright instrumentals and catchy hook. But somewhere along the midway point of the song, the bright keyboard disappears and a guitar replaces as the hook becomes increasingly fraught. Near the end the final lines of the song “Walking forward feels like sinking, wading for that awful feeling” sound as if it’s having difficulty escaping lead singer Dan Tricanico’s mouth while harmonized with the hook and I was given that euphoric feeling that only listening to your favorite part of a song can give you.

These lines bring up an interesting point. While sometimes the songs may sound cheerful, the lyrics rarely are. This, while not completely unheard of, it is still not a standard practice and brings more of a sense of individuality. It also protects the band from sounding overly “whiny” that come with more somber music. The instruments are more about the album being able to keep a sense of fun than being obliviously happy.

The next songs follow similar paths with starting out with slow or dark instrumental work then gradually shifting tones and building up for a climactic moment. Worth noting is the fantastic instrumental work as every member of the band feels incredibly essential to the sound. No one instrument or part of the album stands above the other but instead melds together to create truly complete sound.

On paper Elos Arma sounded like a band I’ve heard before, already done better. “Indie rock?” I thought; Manchester Orchestra has got covered. I don’t need another indie rock band. But by the end of the first song it was obvious that Mother/Father wasn’t intent on recreating successful indie-rock tropes but creating a sound that was all their own and it’s hard to find new ideas being executed so well. - AbsolutePunk.net

Toronto indie-prog rockers ELOS ARMA have just dropped the second video off of their EP Mother/Father, this time for the track Feet Here. I know what you’re thinking – “THERE HAD BETTER BE ANIMAL SUITS IN THIS ONE TOO!” – but hold on, all will be revealed.

Similar to the first video release from the album, San Diego, Feet Here was directed by John Ker, but with a noticeably different tone. In contrast to previous videos that DO tend to play on the band’s signature theme of using animal suits, Feet Here is a little darker and more mysterious. The band travels through a woodland area before coming into contact with a very strange witch-type figure who “throws them for a loop” (I’m so clever) – watch to find out more.

The song also fits this theme; Feet Here is a little more down-tempo and calm than we’re typically used to hearing from ELOS ARMA. However, the trademark gang-vocals and distinctive approach to songwriting that we know them for are still very much present.

All told, ELOS ARMA is one of the more unique-sounding Toronto indie acts out there right now, and we suggest you check them out. You’ll have ample opportunity, as the band is currently out on a tour of Southern Ontario with JOHNNY FOREIGNER and will be stopping back in Toronto this Friday, Nov 23 at Encore Studios – see their website for full dates! - Indie Machine

ARTIST: ELOS ARMA
ALBUM: MOTHER/FATHER EP
RELEASE DATE: JULY 9, 2012
LISTEN TO: “SAN DIEGO”

Toronto’s own Elos Arma has set the table with a wholesome meal for your ears with their newest release, Mother/Father. The 6-track EP contains both conceptual and extremely relatable lyrical content, which all sounds super mature on the surface in contrast to last year’s release, T.I.T.S. (This Is The Shit) EP. However, it settles down to the fact that Mother/Father sounds eternally youthful with its energetic choruses and offbeat rhythms. Intelligently layered and textured, Elos Arma somehow gets a sweet mellowness, youthfully eclectic instrumentals, and grand vocals to sit down and get along for a 20 minute play date – and some of us may know that the most unlikely friendships can be of the best kinds.

EP opener “We Play For Keeps” plays around with unexpected jumps in energy that get you rockin’ along in unison, which is pretty energetic for a song about tortured charm and a sinking feeling. Following up is the sweetly sung “Feet Here”, which is powered by a synth engine and sugary background vocals. Just when you think you can wine and dine a mademoiselle to this tune, it explodes into layered and shouting vocals, to which you may pause with your glass halfway to your lips and realize, “No wait, this totally works.” Even in Mother/Father‘s most sensitive-sounding track, “TrueLoveAbove”, a forceful growl of a chorus can whisk you away and drive the song forward and back again. However, the EP winner is the single, “San Diego”, whose singable chorus and smooth bass easily make it the catchiest track of the record.

While Elos Arma takes their edge and grit and combines them unconventionally with a smooth yet quirky ambience, the bottom line is that Mother/Father is a pretty damn good record. And just at how effortlessly they pull it off, it’s almost as if to say, “Hey, we’re Elos Arma, and the simple truth is, we can do shit like that.”



Click here to download Mother/Father, and stream the entire EP below: - Substruct News

Elos Arma, suburbias finest quartet, arose from the dismemberment of a previous Alternative rock group “Caldwell”. Since then, they have revamped and refined their lineup and sound to electronic indie perfection.

Their most recent EP Mother/Father has some amazing sonic textures to it, while sticking to the bands indie rock roots. Rich vocals —crooning at times —are complimented with cool harmonies and melodic keyboards which take you back and forth from sixties elevator music to outer space. Mother/Father is far more complex than just your ordinary indie rock EP.

What really ties the tracks together to make them irresistibly catchy are the reverberated guitar riffs and anthem-style vocals. These will have you chanting and feeling as if you are being serenaded by the charming lads. Their first single off Mother/Father “San Diego” can be heard by clicking on the link below. - Salacious Sound

Elos Arma, suburbias finest quartet, arose from the dismemberment of a previous Alternative rock group “Caldwell”. Since then, they have revamped and refined their lineup and sound to electronic indie perfection.

Their most recent EP Mother/Father has some amazing sonic textures to it, while sticking to the bands indie rock roots. Rich vocals —crooning at times —are complimented with cool harmonies and melodic keyboards which take you back and forth from sixties elevator music to outer space. Mother/Father is far more complex than just your ordinary indie rock EP.

What really ties the tracks together to make them irresistibly catchy are the reverberated guitar riffs and anthem-style vocals. These will have you chanting and feeling as if you are being serenaded by the charming lads. Their first single off Mother/Father “San Diego” can be heard by clicking on the link below. - Salacious Sound

Canada is at the forefront of the music scene with artists like Broken Social Scene, Drake and the Weeknd—the just released video for ‘San Diego’ by Elos Arma is no exception.

There is certainly no shortage of creativity from the Torontonian quartet. Along with stellar vocals and a catchy chorus, the track’s accompanying video is a spectacle of ambush hilarity.

It begins as a seemingly normal day for the band, until they proceed to plan and execute a display of costumed hardcore dance moves in various suburban public settings. The boldly attired ambush is a throwback to the days of MySpace and “moshing”, while remaining entirely relevant as plush is making a comeback—thank you, Jeremy Scott and Adidas.

What is most appealing is the concept of having a cheeky video accompany the melodic indie pop. This pairing makes for an inescapably engaging show of talent. - Trendhunter

Mark Spicoluk, founder of Underground Operations and A&R rep for Universal Music Group, definitely adds more pressure to the already nerve-wracking experience of playing a live show. He's here tonight and he's giving several bands the opportunity to show off their talent and receive feedback from him...
...Elos Arma. Where to begin? Start by checking out their myspace and then go to their next show at Sneaky Dee’s on February 4. Fantastic. They really have the crowd talking. They are very well received and refreshing to listen to. The transitions are seamless and each song is better than the last. The vocalist and bassist could definitely step up their performance by having more energy, movement, and excitement. The bassist looks stiff and a little out of place when he pops the collar on his black polo. Chris LaRocca is amazing to watch and gets so absorbed in the music that you find yourself wanting to rock out as hard as he does. The vocals fall short a few times because they are off-key or lost in the sound. But overall, the band is “real”, tight, pretty entertaining, and talented.
- Toronto Examiner

Mark Spicoluk, founder of Underground Operations and A&R rep for Universal Music Group, definitely adds more pressure to the already nerve-wracking experience of playing a live show. He's here tonight and he's giving several bands the opportunity to show off their talent and receive feedback from him...
...Elos Arma. Where to begin? Start by checking out their myspace and then go to their next show at Sneaky Dee’s on February 4. Fantastic. They really have the crowd talking. They are very well received and refreshing to listen to. The transitions are seamless and each song is better than the last. The vocalist and bassist could definitely step up their performance by having more energy, movement, and excitement. The bassist looks stiff and a little out of place when he pops the collar on his black polo. Chris LaRocca is amazing to watch and gets so absorbed in the music that you find yourself wanting to rock out as hard as he does. The vocals fall short a few times because they are off-key or lost in the sound. But overall, the band is “real”, tight, pretty entertaining, and talented.
- Toronto Examiner

Elos Arma, Good News for Bad People
This is the debut EP from the Toronto quartet. Since it included descriptions including 'progressive indie alternative' I approached it with some trepidation. I was pleasantly surprised though, as for a young band they manage to avoid nearly all of the horrendous cliches that often accompany that kind of commercially-oriented alt rock.
- T.O. Snob's Music

Elos Arma, Good News for Bad People
This is the debut EP from the Toronto quartet. Since it included descriptions including 'progressive indie alternative' I approached it with some trepidation. I was pleasantly surprised though, as for a young band they manage to avoid nearly all of the horrendous cliches that often accompany that kind of commercially-oriented alt rock.
- T.O. Snob's Music

It's probably just due to the similar title, but when the first track off of Good News For Bad People by came on I immediately thought they were going to rip off Modest Mouse... right up until the vocals hit, grabbing onto this more punk-like sound that dismissed most of the Modest Mouse connection, although not all of it.
It totally began to sound like Panic At The Disco had their dick in Modest Mouse's ass, totally dominating them for control over how the album should sound. And by golly I like it!
And may or may not be a little turned on by it... that image especially ^^.
Something about the music sets this band apart from most of the lame crap of this emo-electro-pop-indie genre and it's sporadic and unpredictable music paired with strong and demanding vocals (like a man's backhand, HEYO) are so perfectly put together to tear your heart apart. I can't help sinking into the sound of the singers voice and letting it whisk me back into my ***** little emo high school self... and to be honest I don't mind getting sucked into their trippy dreamworld of emo magic.
I actually can't get enough of it.
This is an album I'll definitely have to buy, even though it's streaming on their bandcamp for free.
Right now I'm attempting to write an interview for the band at the same time as this review (multi-tasking-WHAT) and the only question that I keep coming back to is "how the fuck are you so awesome"... but that's obviously a lame question and it's not like I want to suck their dicks or anything *pulls collar*. So I'll leave that one out... Check back for the interview soon though!

- Music She Blogged

Thursday nights at Tattoo are all about supporting local talent. Elos Arma were the featured artist this past Thursday when they celebrated their CD release party. Good News for Bad People is the band’s first album, and it was clear that these boys were both eager and proud of their humble album release.

The crowd filled out nicely, and was a good mix of friends of friends, industry affliates, and folks who were just looking for a place to listen to live music. I caught up with the band moments before they took to the stage, and they were all smiles. Discussing set-list and start time with their manager, they didn’t at all seem nervous or anxious, just ready to put on a show.

Thursday nights at Tattoo are all about supporting local talent. Elos Arma were the featured artist this past Thursday when they celebrated their CD release party. Good News for Bad People is the band’s first album, and it was clear that these boys were both eager and proud of their humble album release.

The crowd filled out nicely, and was a good mix of friends of friends, industry affliates, and folks who were just looking for a place to listen to live music. I caught up with the band moments before they took to the stage, and they were all smiles. Discussing set-list and start time with their manager, they didn’t at all seem nervous or anxious, just ready to put on a show.

Possessing a sound that resembles early Tokyo Police Club, Elos Arma can get anyone on their feet. Chris LaRocca rocked the Korg like nobody’s business, executing mixes that had a range in tempo that seemed to set the tone for each song. Dan Tricanico was a team playing front man, who gave the band their voice while singing with the band, not for, contributing to their anthem style, and played riffs that didn’t drown out the Korg. Jon Watters was the bruting bass man, who’s staggered strums paired up well with Mark Procopio’s love for the off-beat on drums.

Definitely a celebration for the album, the crowd was supportive and lively, and went nuts when Elos played a fantastic cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya.” It was definitely a solid Thursday night for anyone who came out. Good News for Bad People is on sale now at elosarma.com.
- The Take Media

Thursday nights at Tattoo are all about supporting local talent. Elos Arma were the featured artist this past Thursday when they celebrated their CD release party. Good News for Bad People is the band’s first album, and it was clear that these boys were both eager and proud of their humble album release.

The crowd filled out nicely, and was a good mix of friends of friends, industry affliates, and folks who were just looking for a place to listen to live music. I caught up with the band moments before they took to the stage, and they were all smiles. Discussing set-list and start time with their manager, they didn’t at all seem nervous or anxious, just ready to put on a show.

Thursday nights at Tattoo are all about supporting local talent. Elos Arma were the featured artist this past Thursday when they celebrated their CD release party. Good News for Bad People is the band’s first album, and it was clear that these boys were both eager and proud of their humble album release.

The crowd filled out nicely, and was a good mix of friends of friends, industry affliates, and folks who were just looking for a place to listen to live music. I caught up with the band moments before they took to the stage, and they were all smiles. Discussing set-list and start time with their manager, they didn’t at all seem nervous or anxious, just ready to put on a show.

Possessing a sound that resembles early Tokyo Police Club, Elos Arma can get anyone on their feet. Chris LaRocca rocked the Korg like nobody’s business, executing mixes that had a range in tempo that seemed to set the tone for each song. Dan Tricanico was a team playing front man, who gave the band their voice while singing with the band, not for, contributing to their anthem style, and played riffs that didn’t drown out the Korg. Jon Watters was the bruting bass man, who’s staggered strums paired up well with Mark Procopio’s love for the off-beat on drums.

Definitely a celebration for the album, the crowd was supportive and lively, and went nuts when Elos played a fantastic cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya.” It was definitely a solid Thursday night for anyone who came out. Good News for Bad People is on sale now at elosarma.com.
- The Take Media