Elsinore

Very few bands ever attempt a cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody." On tribute albums or shows, such as the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, the six-minute masterpiece of modern recording is almost always broken up into more manageable parts. In fact, Queen themselves didn't do a full live version - they cut out and let the album version play during the 'opera' segment at live performances. For a Podunk local band, then, to tackle the multi-tracked, multi-octaved monster without tempting the word 'karaoke,' takes, well, balls.

Consider, then, Elsinore.

Novelties aside, this Champaign (formerly Charleston) foursome have put their time in and emerged as leaders in the local music scene. From the momentum of being named "Best Live Band" at the 2006 Local Music Awards and a solid 2006 LP, Nothing For Design, Elsinore has gained traction and begun to branch outside the Illinois border.

Consequently, the band is evolving. With the recent release of lead singer/guitarist Ryan Groff's solo album, the future of Elsinore remains elusive. At Pygmalion, Groff will perform both with his band and as a solo artist, begging the question of which act will be better greeted by venue-hopping Pygmalionians.

In Groff's ever-lengthening shadow stand the very capable pianist Mark Woolwide; the deft, dextrous bassist Chris Eitel, and unique percussionist Dave Pride, noted live for a concocted kit of hand drums and other trinkets. All three back up Groff's lead vocals as well, a modern oddity that grants them a dynamic edge live.

Elsinore has fairly successfully crested the wave of hip alt-country and Americana. With the movement's tidal popularity waxing, the future demands that neo-folkies prove their footing and test their staying power. The success of the great artists requires a certain timelessness that defies trendiness. Like the crowd-pleasing Queen-cover-band Elsinore in Charleston, the Elsinore of Champaign and beyond will need to satisfy a crowd up to its fingers in folk.

Elsinore will be playing at the third annual Pygmalion Music Festival from September 20th to the 22nd in Champaign-Urbana.