Finally, however, it becomes somewhat simple to clarify what Elf Power is by what it is not. Just as E6 is not six bands, Elf Power is not a pet project composed by E6 member band and college radio success Neutral Milk Hotel. Its origins reach back five years, to a time when it was less a band than a private project. The confusion in this case is justified, however, by the close association of the two bands. Stylistically the two are not difficult to separate, as Elf Power eschews NMH's roaring two-headed twenties sensibilities for a more fanciful bent.
Most songs follow a rough theme which is generally constructed from mythology, insanity or fantasy.
The theme is very rough, however, as Helium attests, describing one of the new tracks. Helium isn't certain, but he doesn't dismiss the possibility. If the bands of the E6 have anything in common, it is that all eschew studio recording in favor of homemade, low-fi recording. In the end it is this fact that may color the experience of R.E.M. fans who may be accustomed to glossily produced, big-label sound. One would hope that Elf Power's exposure would result in enlightened frat boys everywhere, but more likely the band will be cursorily dismissed by a populace raised on radio.