Elysian Fields’ Debut Album Definition Deserves a Second Life in the Spotlight

Elysian Fields are an interesting one. Hailing from Utah, the outfit released their debut album, Definition, thirty-one years ago. Comprised of James Shumway, Mark Roos, and Kerri Murray, with Dale Sandbeg and Jeff Francom on rhythm duties, the band were beginning to turn quite a few heads in the 90s. Then sadly, as so often happens, life got in the way. Elysian Fields disbanded in 1997, but with the re-release of Definition, a whole new generation of listeners can now discover what made the group so special in the first place. 

Recorded by renowned producer Cliff Maag, the twelve-track offering is a genuine sonic journey. From the classic rock sounds of tunes like When the Days Get Hot and Here You Come Here I Go to an utterly heartbreaking ballad like Staying With You, Elysian Fields showcased a clear hunger to explore wherever the songs led them. 

Waves, for example, is one of the most delicate and stunning tracks I've ever heard. But then Desert Sky will step up, straight afterwards, and throw you into a completely different emotional space. It's masterful stuff, really.

Could this be the start of a reunion? Who knows. All I believe matters now is for more of the world to hear Definition, because it's certainly worthy!

Follow Elysian Fields on Instagram