|
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
|
|
|
|
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
|
|
Evamore
Evamore\r\n(Brando Records)\r\n
By Ken Shimamoto
This c.d. arrived with colossal hype from Edge program director Duane Doherty (“the best project ever to come out of Dallas”). While I am instinctively mistrustful of all such hyperbole (except the fact that Fuzzy’s fish burritos are the best food on earth), I can see that there’s perhaps a gram of truth in it — this shiny silver disc is definitely unique among local indie products.
It’s fairly accurate to say that most local releases of late have fallen into one of two categories: twang (y’allternative) or thrash (post-industrial hardcore whateverthefuck). Evamore is neither. Their publicist compares them to Lenny Kravitz, Dave Matthews, and Stone Temple Pilots, and these comparisons are apt, except that these guys don’t share Leonard’s penchant for ’60s retrophilia (truly, has there ever been a worse track than that non-snazz cover of Guess Who’s already awful “American Woman”?). Nor do they partake of Uncle Dave’s jones for syncopated grooves or STP’s hots for crushing heaviness (except on the opening “buzz” track, “30 Day Hump”).
What these guys actually put me more in mind of is late-’70s commercialized “art-rock” bands like, uh, Ambrosia and Supertramp. Maybe it’s the vocal harmonies. The material is all well-developed, the playing is good in a utilitarian sort of way, the singing is better than that, and the production by David Castell is immaculate. In all ways, a radio-ready artifact — it’s easy to understand Duane the Train’s enthusiasm.
What it’s not, however, is exciting or edgy in the way my favorite rock ’n’ roll is. Of course, that’s hardly Evamore’s problem. These guys have the goods to be the first Fort Worth/Dallas band to break out and Make It Really Big. But if somebody from here was truly gonna take the world by storm, I’d want it to be someone with a more distinct identity than these ultracompetent alt-popsters.
Email this Article...
