Alternative Rock
Indiana, USA

In 1996, Youth Pastor Bill O'Boyle moved to town and put together a band to play for youth group on Wednesday nights. He added a couple of brothers from New York, Christopher and Owen Thomas, and together they formed a Christian pop/rock group they named Just Visiting along with bass guitarist Jess Sutton. In the early days Bill wrote all the music and Owen Thomas wrote most of the lyrics. Owen Thomas did the primary vocals and played Sax. Christopher Thomas added drums and percussion. Bill sang back up and lead on a few songs. The music was written by the Bill O'Boyle and Owen Thomas.

The band's guitar-based sound has been compared to that of groups like the Foo Fighters, Oasis, and even the Beatles. In 1996, Just Visiting decided to turn their music from a pastime into a career. The band began to tour persistently, performing at shows and festivals all over the United States.

The group recorded their first album that same year, Gardenshow. In 1998, a second album was completed, Just Visiting. Both albums were recorded independently. In 1999, the band changed its name from Just Visiting to The Elms and a few months later, the group signed with Sparrow Records.

1996 Independent

1998 Independent

Owen Thomas – Vocals, guitar, piano
Christopher D. Thomas – Drums, vocals

1. Hi Fi (They Don't Compare) (2:56)
2. Jug of Pennies (3:45)
3. Cast a Stone (4:21)
4. Whadda 'Ya Say? (3:03)
5. When I Fall Away (3:33)
6. Incense & Tie Dye (4:28)
7. The Choice You Wouldn't Make (6:00)
8. Star is Falling (4:40)
9. Supernothing (4:39)
10. About Worth (2:23)