ELLIOTT BROOD - RISE UP WITH FISTS (JENNY LEWIS COVER)
"What are you changing?Who do you think you're changing?You can't change things, we're all stuck in our ways"
Some things never change: death, taxes. Some things you wish would never change: the curiosity of a four year old; that tenacity of youth; that certain cut of denim. Or maybe it’s the sound of one of your favourite bands.In their cover of Jenny Lewis’ “Rise Up With Fists”, Elliott BROOD bridges genres and decades with their trademark sound while sticking closeby the original’s easy 70’s country vibe, adding their flavour of gritty city folk. Like true pros, they keep that sweet balance of reflective and rock with a classic country backing chorus of oohs and ahhs (as originally sung by The Watson Twins).A touring band for the last 22 years, Elliott BROOD are known for their deeply personal lyrics, historical roots rockers and energetic live shows. They share their own stories, and those from people they’ve encountered in life, through their songs.
“Like when you wake up behind the barTrying to remember where you areHaving crushed all the pretty things”
As we delve deeper, this cover seems to peel back to a very personal layer for the band. Instead of it sounding like Jenny Lewis observing someone else at this juncture, when Elliott BROOD hit on this lyric, it feels less like an observation and more like a literal story of something that happened to someone in the band.
"I still believeAnd I will rise up with fistsAnd I will take what's mine (mine, mine)"
With the ending of the song there is a release in Sasso’s lead vocals and he relaxes into the folky folds repeating, almost prayer-like, “There but for the grace of God go I”. It feels hopeful and light, like a self-aware acknowledgement within the song itself. When so many things in life are beyond our control (like aging or even simply existing), “Rise Up With Fists” is the celebratory act of acceptance, of rising up to meet life with gusto, hands and fists at the ready. We get the days that we get, and Elliott BROOD remind us to live every one as best as you can.