Elysian Fields’ Definition returns as a revitalized re-release that brings 1990s Utah pop-rock back into contemporary focus. Originally recorded under the skilled production of Cliff Maag, the album captured a moment when regional bands were beginning to push beyond local recognition toward broader artistic ambition. At the time, The Deseret News praised the record as a breath of fresh air and a standout for collectors of local music, a sentiment that still resonates today as the album finds global streaming audiences.
The creative core of Elysian Fields lies in the collaboration between songwriters Mark Roos and James Shumway, whose backgrounds in earlier band work shaped a refined pop-rock sensibility. Their reunion in 1993 quickly evolved into a full recording project once they discovered vocalist Kerri Murray, whose soaring delivery defined the group’s emotional range. Roos contributed guitar work while Shumway anchored the sound on keyboards, supported by Dale Sandberg bass and Jeff Francom drums.
At its emotional heart, Definition explores universal themes of aspiration, love, loss, and connection to nature, giving the record a timeless quality that transcends its era. Standout tracks such as Staying With You, Wings to Fly, My Fantasy, When the Days Get Hot, Eternal Flame, Take My Hand, and Desert Sky showcase the band’s ability to blend lyrical intimacy with expansive pop-rock arrangements that remain engaging decades later on every repeated listen now.
Though Elysian Fields’ active years were brief, their impact endures through a reputation for powerful live performances and a studio album that continues to attract new listeners. Their shows featured rich harmonies, dynamic musicianship, and even spontaneous cover renditions that highlighted their versatility. Despite disbanding in 1996, Definition remains a lasting testament to their artistic vision, ensuring the band’s legacy persists well beyond its short but meaningful existence in Utah’s music history still.
SONGS ON ALBUM
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
