Indie Rock from Memphis Stone and The Elevators

UK-based indie rock outfit Memphis Stone and The Elevators has an interesting backstory that spans back to the 60s on the other side of the Atlantic. Frontman Francis James “Memphis” Stone originally grew up in LA and was recognised as a musical prodigy from renowned producer Frank Wilson early on. As a teenager Stone made the move to Detroit, following his producer mentor and during his time there is rumoured to have sung with many of the soul greats. However, due to his young age, he was never officially credited for his performances, but was still held in high esteem.

Having never reached the heights his early career promised and after a number to attempts to kick start things in both the USA and in the UK, Stone mysteriously vanished from the music world in 2001. However, after a random meeting in a country put with bass player Tom Weaver and session drummer Lenny Bonetti in 2019, Stone was encouraged to come back to music out of retirement and reformed his band from the 90s; Memphis Stone and The Elevators.

Now firmly back on track and finding new creative vision, Stone and his band have taken a new direction with Stone’s soulful vocals matching perfectly above Tom and Lenny’s driving indie rock anthems. Their 5th single, a track called “Serious” shows just why it was such a shame the hiatus ever happened in the first place.

With grooving rhythms that fuse elements of the artist’s Northern Soul roots with the punchy arrangement provided by Weaver and Bonnetti’s charging rhythm section, “Serious” is an instantly catchy modern rock track with notes of nostalgic vibes. Focused on the compulsive nature and addictiveness of love and relationships, the lyrics recount the sensations of knowing you’re in too deep but just can’t stop yourself.

Listen to Serious below