Fueled by the musical activity around them, the band finalized its roster by the end of the summer and began playing shows, with Doucette departing the group to pursue other projects, and Kirsten Palm, Brad McInerney, and Dave Bazinet entering into the fold.

Elbow Beach's initial performances were well-received, and witnessed the group's tacit blending of both surf and indie rock.

Enthused by this success, the group released its first self-titled EP Elbow Beach Surf Club 14 February 2007 on Burnt Oak Records.

On this release, Helen Spitzer of Eye Weekly and Brave New Waves stated: Following the release of Surf Club, Elbow Beach played a handful of shows in support of it, earning them broader exposure than they had previously enjoyed, and culminating in a performance at Pop Montreal alongside their Burnt Oak labelmates.

Their sound also began to diversify as a seeming result of their improved chemistry, taking on a more visceral and experimental quality, and embracing previously unexplored musical genres.