Elliot Minor (formerly called The Academy) are a young band from York in the UK. They formed in 2005 and are influenced by bands such as The Used, Something Corporate, and All American Rejects. Their sound is that of Pop Punk, however also combines elements of Pop Rock and Classical too. In April 2007 the band released their first single upon the world; 'Parallel Worlds', one which shot to number 31 in the UK music charts. They followed it with 'Jessica' in August 2007, released 'The White One Is Evil' in October of the same year, and then that brings us up to this release; their fourth single to date. 'Still Figuring Out' was released on January 28th 2008 and is their biggest commercial success so far having hit number 17 in the Official UK music charts. 'Still Figuring Out' I feel shows the band at their very best.

At three minutes in length, the track is just right and is a perfect example of how music of this sort should sound. Backed with some powerful rock guitars, the vocals of Elliot Minor come blasting through and truly do provide a treat of aural excellence. 'Still Figuring Out' is an incredibly catchy track, one that will no doubt get lodged in your mind for months to come. Everything about 'Still Figuring Out' just seems to work, all elements of the music fit together perfectly to provide for one of my favourite tracks in a long while. It is no wonder that this track launched straight to Number 17 in the charts, it really is quite extraordinarily catchy and is a fantastic track to listen to.

With the sound that the band are creating, I feel that they will never be too popular in the Rock world, however having said that I would love for the band to prove me wrong. I recently read in an interview that Elliot Minor wish to be perceived as a Rock band and not as a Pop band, dismissing any claims that they are in any way 'manufactured'. Obviously they do have strong elements of Rock in their sound I feel, however the production of the music is perhaps a little too squeaky clean for the majority of Rock fans out there. I wish Elliot Minor well, and personally can't wait to hear their album when it is released upon the world reportedly in April.

Alt-UK Rating: 4 out of 5

Label: Repossession Records
Release Date: 28th January 2008

'Elliot Minor' is the début album from the band of the same name. There are eleven tracks on display here and it must be said that this is an exquisitely fine display of music from the York based quintet that is Elliot Minor. The music contains a great beauteous quality throughout the entirety of this album and never does the slick musical skill of the five members of Elliot Minor here disappoint.

The album gets going with 'Time After Time', a fine track to begin this release with and one that sets the mood nicely. It's by no means the best track from this album, it is however a fine way to start and right from the offset here the music of Elliot Minor grabs you and gains your full undivided attention. The album has plenty to offer and listening to 'Elliot Minor' is therefore an exciting and greatly entertaining experience.

The bands commercial successes can all be found on this album; 'Parallel Worlds', 'The White One Is Evil', 'Still Figuring Out', and 'Jessica' also are present here for your listening pleasure. If you've been following the continued success of this band then you'll no doubt know all the words to this lot, and even if not then I'm sure that you'll know some of these songs by ear even if not by name. 'Parallel Worlds' and 'The White One Is Evil' are particular favourites of mine from this pack. Such energy and enthusiasm is contained within these tracks, the music is brilliant and never will the band disappoint with such fine displays of music as this. 'Still Figuring Out' was the first track that ever caught my attention from Elliot Minor, I had not previously seen the appeal of the bands music but this is a track that I most definitely absolutely love. It's just so catchy, the chorus is brilliant and the melody absolutely fantastic. It's a fine display of pop punk, one of the finest songs in the genre I have ever heard in fact.

The music on this album is not all as fast and frantic as is displayed with the bands single releases, there are plenty of slower paced tracks here and these also will no doubt impress you hugely. With tracks such as 'Liar Is You', 'The Broken Minor', and closing track 'Last Call to New York City' the music is awash with beautiful orchestral elements and the vocals are laced stunningly atop of the music. It's a far cry from the bouncy pop of the bands singles, it is however terrific music which displays perfectly the fine nature and supreme talent of Elliot Minor as a band. The contrast in sound between the pop punk dynamics and orchestral urges of this band truly is sensational, it's a beautiful mix of music executed excellently by Elliot Minor and pulled off to absolute perfection.

Such a vast array of musical expertise is here showcased by Elliot Minor, with every track the band has something different to offer on this début album and always the music is hugely impressive. From first track 'Time After Time' right through to the closer of 'Last Call to New York City' the music always has plenty to offer and there is plenty to take from this listening to this 'Elliot Minor' album. The vocals are exquisite, the instrumental element is hugely impressive, and every element of the music just seems to come together to perfection. 'Elliot Minor' is a fine album which melds meticulously the genres of pop punk, rock, and classical also. The members of this band come from 'parallel worlds' so to speak, each band members musical background is implemented into the sound of Elliot Minor supremely in order to produce the fine display of music that is this 'Elliot Minor' album.

A début album of utmost excellence has here been created by the fine rock band that is Elliot Minor. All five members of this band are classically trained and this therefore allows for Elliot Minor to blend beautifully the genres of classical and rock to great effect. This is an incredibly strong album from the band, one that contains eleven tracks of absolute excellence and never does the music disappoint in the slightest. 'Elliot Minor' is without doubt an album that I would thoroughly recommend to all; the pop sensibilities of this release are exquisite and always the vocals harmonies are beautiful. Many of the tracks contain massively catchy choruses and always the music of Elliot Minor is greatly impressive. Instrumentally Elliot Minor is a hugely talented band and vocally the music also has plenty to offer. For all fans of finely put together pop music I most certainly recommend investing in this 'Elliot Minor' album; you'll surely not be at all disappointed with what you hear from Elliot Minor on this release.

Alt-UK Rating: 5 out of 5

Label: Warner
Release Date: 14th April 2008

Elliot Minor is really quite an interesting band, the debut album from them was absolutely excellent and they certainly have a number of strong hits under their belts also. The bands members are all still quite young, they're certainly a talented bunch however and with their great influences from the worlds of rock and classical always combining their music never comprises of a dull moment.

If you've liked what you've seen/read so far then you may well also be interested in the following three music videos. They're all official Elliot Minor videos and each I feel is absolutely excellent. Please do take the time to give them all a viewing; you'll surely not be disappointed with what you see.