Some albums quietly disappear with time, while others patiently wait for the world to catch up. Definition, the long-overlooked release from Utah’s Elysian Fields, belongs firmly in the second category. Now available on streaming platforms, the album arrives with the same heartfelt spirit that made it a local favorite in 1995. Listening today feels less like revisiting an old record and more like uncovering a forgotten treasure.
From the opening moments, the chemistry between James Shumway and Mark Roos becomes unmistakable. Their songwriting captures life’s emotional highs and lows with remarkable clarity, while Kerri Murray’s soaring voice transforms each lyric into something deeply personal. Whether celebrating devotion on “Staying with You” or exploring hope and imagination on “My Fantasy” and “Wings to Fly,” the band consistently favors authenticity over excess.
Behind the vocals lies a carefully balanced musical landscape. Roos’ guitar melodies intertwine naturally with Shumway’s keyboards, creating arrangements that are rich without becoming crowded. Dale Sandberg’s bass and Jeff Francom’s energetic drumming keep every song grounded, allowing the emotional themes to shine through. The influence of producer Cliff Maag is evident in a recording that still sounds cohesive and inviting decades after its creation.
The brief lifespan of Elysian Fields makes Definition even more fascinating. Despite the band’s limited time together, they produced an album that continues to speak across generations through its honesty and melodic charm. This re-release is not simply a revival of an old recording, it is a long-overdue opportunity for global audiences to appreciate a work that captures the enduring beauty of thoughtful pop-rock craftsmanship.
TRACKS
1. When the Days Get Hot
2. No Matter What
3. My Fantasy
4. Here You Come Here I Go
5. Staying With You
6. Shattered Lives
7. Eternal Flame
8. Waves
9. Desert Sky
10. Take My Mind
11. Hillary’s Lullaby
12. Wings to Fly
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