The Band, Elliott

“they were way ahead of their time and I think they still might be”. - Reddit User

Elliott's Fall 2025 US Tour

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Elliott play live. Seeing them again—this time through the lens of my camera—was more than just a show. It was kind of a full-circle moment. Chris Higdon, Elliott’s frontman, has quietly been one of my photography heroes for years. His decades-long career behind the mic and the camera has produced some unforgettable work, including what I consider one of the greatest live music photos ever: a shot of Negative Approach’s John Brannon that perfectly captures the band’s raw, chaotic energy. I’m not even a NA fan, but that photo? It feels like their sound.

Chris brings that same emotional intelligence to his music. Elliott’s sound—often compared to bands like Jawbox, Quicksand, and Sunny Day Real Estate—blends intensity with introspection. If you’re unfamiliar, think late ’90s/early ’00s alternative rock with a post-hardcore edge. Maybe a touch of Jimmy Eat World, though honestly, I’d argue Elliott influenced Jimmy more than the other way around.

I first met Chris years ago while traveling with a band to play shows in Texas. We drove straight from Louisville to Austin—18 hours of road weariness and anticipation. Our first show was with Elliott and Hot Water Music (yes, the Bukowski reference). Chris hopped into our van to grab dinner before the show, and I remember how the vibe instantly shifted. He’s the kind of person who lifts a room—or a van—just by being in it. Thoughtful, kind, grounded. The type who remembers your name and greets you with a handshake that’s firm but never performative.

Watching Elliott play brought back a whole flood of good memories about traveling and playing music. Mostly about playing drums. When I was younger, I remember hearing that their drummer, Kevin Ratterman played to a click track live. Which 19 year old me was fascinated by. What I was most struck by is remembering how impressed I was with his playing. Kevin plays with a sense of confidence that elevates him well past most drummers, but what I love most about his playing and the way the rest of the band plays is that he’s a dynamic drummer. His playing seems to naturally be full of peaks and valleys. Playing loudly and softly creating the contrast that gives music its sense of emotion. 

I won’t dig too far into the history as I’m not the best person to do that, but as a band, and as individuals they’ve played with some heavy hitters. Drummer, Kevin Ratterman co-engineered the My Morning Jacket record Circuital, and toured with Strand of Oaks/Wax Fang. Current bassist Ashli State has played in two of my favorite hardcore bands, Philadelphia’s vampire themed Ink and Dagger, and Louisville’s Guilt. And, Chris currently plays in one of my new favorite hardcore/post-hardcore bands called Mirrorless with Ryan Patterson (Fotocrime, Coliseum), and Brian Roundtree (By the Grace of God). 

Elliott isn’t just a band—they’re a reminder of what it means to be a band. Back when I first saw them, they had that elusive “it”: sharp style, cool label, tight sound, and a presence that made you believe they were destined for something bigger. Seeing them again at Black Circle reminded me why that feeling stuck with me all these years.

What people are and were saying...

Reddit User Quotes:

“False Cathedrals is one of the best emo albums of all time. full stop.”

“False Cathedrals is a perfect album IMO.  They were by far the most polished band & their show was incredible.”

“US Songs is a banger of album and one of my all time favs. They should have been bigger.”