The Elephants are quite possibly my favorite local band. It’s really hard for me to say that since there are so many that are close to my heart, but even though I ripped their CD to mp3 about a year ago, when my iPod is on shuffle I never skip their songs.

You know how sometimes you just aren’t in the mood for something? The Elephants somehow manage to adjust your mood to fit their music instead of vice versa. I’m not sure what the lyrics mean on some of their songs, like “Don’t sleep in the leaves” or “Part of you was see-through blue, part of me was sea foam-green,” but no matter. The poppy ’80s-inspired beats scale the intellectual wall and soar over the top into fluffy clouds. Let’s face it, fluffy clouds are a nice place to be. Not to say the songs are frivolous. I can definitely relate to the one that says “Here comes love, beware, defend yourself” — so wise. Also, “The Humans kill themselves and now they’re gone” could be interpreted as a warning about global warming, and that’s very socially conscious, plus its fun to dance to.

Rumor has it they have new songs. Check them out Friday at Hells Kitchen with San Juan, Mercy Pirates and the Committee for Public Safety.



[Hell’s Kitchen, Friday, Aug. 31, 9 p.m., $5, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]