Montreal psych-pop band Elephant Stone are releasing their new single ‘Pilgrimage’ today, alongside a lyric video by Laurine Jousserand. The track is the final preview of the new Elephant Stone LP, ‘Back Into The Dream’, ahead of its release February 23rd 2024 on Fuzz Club.
Talking about the single, Rishi Dhir says: “In the early 2000s, I found myself crisscrossing America in a van, shoulder-to-shoulder with a motley crew of musicians. We weren’t in it for the riches; we were chasing a dream, one stage at a time. When you’re constantly on the move, it’s easy to erect emotional walls, to isolate yourself even while surrounded by others. I was particularly prone to this kind of self-imposed solitude.
During one interlude, we found ourselves with a few days to spare in Oregon. Armed with ‘Two Buck Chuck,’ olive bread, and cheese from Trader Joe’s, I made my way to the coast. As I sat on the sand dunes, I watched the clouds roll in rapidly, becoming one with the tumultuous waves and the awe-inspiring might of nature. At that moment, it felt as though I had undertaken a pilgrimage to the ends of the Earth, seeking a personal communion with the divine. With ‘Pilgrimage’ I attempted to capture the essence of that solitary journey—a voyage not just across the physical landscape, but through the intricate terrains of the soul, reminding us that sometimes, the most profound discoveries are made when we’re farthest from home.”
Dhir, the creative force behind Elephant Stone, has expertly navigated the psych-pop scene for over 14 years. Their discography, laden with introspective lyrics and transcendent musicality touching on loss, grief, and existential crises, deeply resonates with listeners across the globe. The band – featuring Dhir (vocals, bass, sitar) alongside Miles Dupire (drums), Jason Kent (keys, guitar), and Robbie MacArthur (guitar) – have remained unwaveringly dedicated to their distinctive sound and these new songs continue Elephant Stone’s narrative journey and showcase the band’s ever-evolving sound, deftly balancing human complexities with introspective themes.
Venturing into the album’s themes, Back Into the Dream dwells on the mysteries of dreams, capturing the cycle of sleep and wakefulness. As Rishi puts it, “Our music aims to bridge the gap between the known and the unknown.” Pre-released tracks “Godstar” and “The Imajinary, Nameless Everybody in the World”—released together as “Dawn, Day, Dusk”—draw from the themes of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation, delving into the intricacies of human existence, creation, life, and death, while “Lost In A Dream” carries listeners into an exploration of dream-like states and blurred realities. Meanwhile, lead single “The Spark” serves as a love letter to the creative process itself.
Thoughts Words Action 