Devils Elbow ride out changes

Despite three changes to the band's line-up, Devils Elbow managed to release an EP last year and a full sophomore album this month. Photo/Floyd Pepper

Hawke's Bay rock band Devils Elbow return to the limelight with their sophomore album, Absolute Domain, and a new line-up.

Recorded over two years at Hit Your Head Music studios in Napier and mixed by Auckland's Nick Poortman (Sade, Pluto, Napalm Death), the 12-track CD is one to check out.

Former drummer Andrew Gladstone (ex-Garageland) laid down most of the percussion before leaving the band, followed by bass player Dom Coyle in 2012. Ben Lee (bass/vocals) and Adam Lamberg (drums) joined, then quit in 2013, but original member Alec Withers was determined to finish what he started.

"It's a bunch of songs that sound really good together, we had a lot of tracks going into it, but we used the ones that worked best," the singer and guitarist said.

"There's no theme as such, it's pretty much the same as [Sand on Chrome], maybe a bit more ambiguous."

Amidst two full band changes, Devil's Elbow put out an EP called Broken Record Syndrome last November, which they promoted with a small tour.

Now performing with Ben Persen on bass and John Hastings on drums and vocals, Withers had a busy start to the year with plenty of local gigs and festivals.

Absolute Domain hit shelves and online stores last weekend, while a gig at Level One in Hastings on Friday will give fans a chance to hear their new material live.

"There will be a bit of everything, songs from Sand on Chrome, some tunes from the new one, a few covers. We are just winding down from summer time, we will probably release another single in about August and do some shows around that."

Their first offering, Sand on Chrome was mixed and mastered by Ian Morris (Th' Dudes, Dave Dobbyn, Hello Sailor, Screaming MeeMees) and received rave reviews from local press and websites including CD of the week in the Sunday Star Times and a 4/5 review in the New Zealand Herald.

The band started gaining national attention in 2010 with their first single, KO, which was quickly added to The Rock FM's playlist. Their music has featured on Radio Live, National Radio, all bNet stations and local networks.

Absolute Domain is available in record stores and online.

Devils Elbow perform at Level One, Hastings, on Friday from 8pm, tickets $10.