Andy Bennett - Lead guitar

Lee Burn - Rhythm guitar

Dave Casswell - Bass guitar

Tim Jaques - Drums

The Elements formed in 1998 under the name Sargent. It was the height of Britpop and a much needed resurgence of interest in guitar based bands. They became popular quickly, releasing two independent singles that year: ‘The Place I’m In Today’ and ‘Takin’ Me High,’ the latter being widely playlisted. Several radio and TV appearances followed, as did a support slot on a major arena tour with Ocean Colour Scene, with whom they shared management. In 2000 they worked with OCS’ Steve Cradock and sixties soul icon P.P. Arnold on the promotion of her ‘Different Drum’ single, culminating in a sensational appearance on T.F.I. Friday.

In 2001 Sargent changed management and also became The Elements, a name that everybody felt fitted them better and was totally in keeping with their vibe for real rock n’ roll. They began to write new material and build their own studio in Birmingham’s ‘Jewellery Quarter.’ Heavily inspired by The La’s vision of a modern day beat group and their new found identity and headquarters, they began recording new material. This mixed strong melodies, vocal harmonies and catchy songwriting with a rough and ready sound. Their playing style was also developing throughout this period, through both their studio work and the numerous gigs they were playing.

They were already prominent on the local music scene, but that intensified over the space of the next three years, with them playing literally seven nights a week. They played pubs, nightclubs, dives and dancehalls, often for several hours at a time. They got to play their original material alongside their favourite songs from 50’s rock n’ roll, classic soul and girl groups. Having to ‘cut it’ in so many different situations with so many different types of audience helped them gain massive experience as performers and musicians that maybe they had lacked as Sargent. As Lee puts it, “Sargent came about quite suddenly really, but most artists we love had been at it for years before they cracked ‘it’. Doing all the pubs and clubs, the late nights playing and hanging out with the colourful characters that come with that scene, it gave us the credibility and confidence to just be ourselves.”

Which brings us neatly to where The Elements are at today, Birmingham’s most exciting band, a rock n’ roll rare breed. Recent dates performing just their own songs have wowed audiences in their home city. This is set to spread as the band are hoping to be touring the U.K. soon, and to release their provisionally titled album “The Elements….. Do It So Well” later this year.

• Rock
• Indie