By Eleanor Davies
Many bands and artists use their name and notoriety to front causes such as animal welfare, cancer research or climate change, but few would go as far as naming themselves after a cause.
However, new band, Death of the Elephant, chose theirs for exactly that - to draw attention to the plight of the elephant.
“We wanted to pick something that had an anti-capitalist statement,” lead singer Dee Avis tells me. “I’m not a vegetarian, I’m not against killing all animals but Elephants are hunted for their tusks and as a result are becoming endangered.”
You see, this is one band with a difference! Known for coming across quite angry on stage, Dee, from Chelmsford, assures me that it’s all a misconception – but to me they seem like they want to change the world!
“People say we are quite angry live which always surprises me as I’m only 5’1 and not aggressive at all,” she laughs. “We all get very into it though. Tom, the drummer, is always half naked and Dan, the bassist, just rocks out.”
Although she does admit that writing songs is a way to channel their pent up aggression and energy.
“Our songs are probably all quite opinionated with lots of energy, we write as a way to release our anger and feelings, we just feel its something we have to do.”
And they will be doing much more song writing in the near future, after being signed to Bitterscene Records earlier this year. With their single, Transition to War, out now, the band are hoping that an album will follow soon.
“We’ve had a relationship with Bitterscene for two years by playing gigs for them around Chelmsford but we only became signed earlier this year,” explains the 25-year-old.
“We are still writing new stuff and we have a few gigs coming up so we have to find time in between. We write as a group and things change a lot, I don’t just sing my lyrics, I get feedback from the others.”
For this band, gigging is one of their favourite things to do, especially if it is for a worthwhile cause.
“We are really excited about all the gigs we have coming up,” she enthuses. “We are playing at The Bitter End in Romford on 24 July and The Bassment in Chelmsford on 28 July. We like to play things for charity especially feminist, gay rights, and we’re really looking forward to the rest of the year.”
But is Chelmsford ready for their version of 90’s dance grunge? Well, they better be, because this talented trio are on their way!
For more information on Death of the Elephant and their upcoming gigs, visit: www.myspace.com/deathoftheelephant.