"The song 'Taller Children' is an ode to all of the adults who just never quite figure out how to grow up. On a grand scale, that can sometimes be a pretty scary concept, especially when it's regarding people in power who can't handle their responsibilities," says Elizabeth Abby Ziman, the Catapult's vivacious singer-songwriter. "But on a lighter and more personal note, I'm just owning up to the fact that I still can't manage to cook a decent omelet- and I'm not afraid to laugh about it".

The title of Elizabeth & the Catapult's Verve Forecast debut album Taller Children reflects the unique blend of pop playfulness and grown-up introspection that defines Ziman's distinctive songwriting. Such memorable originals as "Rainiest Day of Summer," "Apathy," "The Hang Up" and "Hit the Wall" embody a vibrant mix of open-hearted wonder, whimsical humor and forthright emotional insight, merging classic pop melodicism with an array of acoustic textures, jazz twists and orchestral flourishes. The quality of the songs - including a memorable reading of the Leonard Cohen classic "Everybody Knows" - is matched by intimate, effortlessly soulful performances by the Brooklyn trio, which also includes guitarist Pete Lalish and drummer Danny Molad.

Although the bulk of Taller Children was recorded with producer Mike Mogis (noted for his work with the likes of Bright Eyes, M. Ward and Rilo Kiley), several of the album's performances were drawn from the homespun demos that the band recorded in drummer Molad's home studio. The resulting album strikes a vital balance between lush sophistication (with such elements as Ziman's elegant string arrangements) and spare, unadorned simplicity.

The qualities that make Taller Children such a refreshing surprise have already made Elizabeth & the Catapult a beloved favorite on New York's downtown club scene, where the threesome's winsome tunes and energetic, surprise-filled live shows have won them a large and devoted local fan base.