Elevation formed with vocalist Nathan Smith in 2002. Now, only years later, this five-piece has all of the essential elements needed for their rise to greatness.

Smith explains, "I kind of have been in the band for about five or six years just writing and developing a repertoire and also just kind of figuring out who we were." Lead guitarist, Andrew Averso, continues by saying, "It took us a good while to get all the right members together, but everything finally came together, and we just took off running."

Running, indeed. With such a full and sweeping sound, Elevation has captured audiences nationwide and has successfully filled a void in the musical community. In Elevation, rock has returned to its southern roots; genuinely reviving the genre where most other bands have failed, whilst providing a refreshing and positive appeal to a modern audience.

Although it is clear that Elevation's music is heavily influenced by classic rock, some of their songs tease the boundaries of genre; sometimes shifting to a more indie or ambient sound. But as the songs play with different sounds so does Smith's voice, distinctive yet familiar (going from soft to punchy, or from clear to gritty) but always completely convincing. Averso also hails Smith as "the most genius songwriter I have ever come across working with", asserting that Smith "always goes straight for the best melody."

If Smith's lyrics and voice carry the story, then Averso's lead guitar moves the plot forward. It is clear that Smith and Averso have an advantageous trade-off between each other. Smith corroborates, "[Averso] is definitely my confidant. He is my teammate. All the guys are that way, but by the nature of our roles and by the nature of how long we have known each other, Andrew and I just really have this connection." Smith powerfully commands the stage in verse and chorus, but the stage is equally taken by Averso's other-worldly guitar solos (in which the audience seems only an observer onto Averso's own private sphere).

The key to Elevation's strength does not just lie in the talent of its five members, but more so in the tightly knit friendships between all of the group's individuals.

Rhythm guitarist, Luke Hickok, was introduced to the band through Elevation's former bassist, who was like a father to Hickok during a difficult time where his sister was in the hospital. Later, Hickok officially joined the band, but only after experiencing the support and camaraderie of this group. Hickok adds the strong rhythm guitar into Elevation's mix. Averso agrees, "Luke is young but one of the best guitarists I have ever come across. As soon as we needed a guitar player, I knew he was absolutely right for the part." Hickok, although fewest in years, possesses a perspicacity surpassing his age. Bassist, Chase Schell, explains, "He is the baby of the band, the youngest, and believe it or not he is probably the toughest.? Smith furthers, "Sometimes he can't let it show, but he has got some of the deepest wisdom, I think, of any of us."

Hickok describes drummer Stephen Bailey's personality as, "One of the sweetest guys I ever met. He is kind of on the quiet side, but when he says funny things it usually makes the room erupt." Smith adds, "He is really a foundation for the band," not only by keeping beat for the music, but also through "his personality and where he comes from."

Elevation's newest addition is Chase Schell, who was the final component in Elevation's intricate structure. "He really pulled us out of the mire," Smith insists. Schell is a creative bass player, who counters his measured on-stage performance with his quirky and personable off-stage antics.

Despite the differing personalities, it is clear, when encountering Elevation, that these men make up a tight band of brothers. As Schell relates, "Everyone takes care of each other. We are very concerned about everyone else. We have a big sense of security among the band; it's hard to find that."

Although they are a group unto their own, Elevation creates another realm with their cinematic music, and they beckon their audience to join them in it; as brothers and sisters. Not only does their timeless and idyllic music pull the listeners to another level, but it also inspires them to Elevation's cause. Even when Smith sings of love lost or of dreams disappointed, he reassures the dismayed with lines spurring a revolution of hope. With Smith's compelling delivery and Averso's soaring and epic guitar solos, you really do begin to believe that "everything will be alright" (as Elevation's first single "Razoreyes" promises). "We all like the idea of music elevating you and taking you to some kind of higher place," Averso states. This band has put practice to their ideas; Elevation truly uplifts.

The band's debut album Strangelove was recorded in Atlanta in the winter of 2007. The album was produced by Dan Hannon (Manchester Orchestra, King Konga, Aaron Shust) and mastered by Grammy Award winner Adam Ayan (Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Incubus).

Elevation's first single off of the new album, "Razoreyes," was re-mixed by Mark Endert, a superstar producer who has worked with Maroon 5, The Fray, and Madonna.