Customer Reviews

The Melody And The Energetic Nature of Volume

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Few bands come onto the scene with something as strong as Evans Blue's "The Melody And The Energetic Nature Of Volume." Their debut combines both a familiar, radio-ready sound, with an inventive style all their own. Sure, listening to a few songs, you're going to be reminded of bands ranging from Staind to A Perfect Circle to Taproot (whom they've also shared the stage with) but there is also something different about Evans Blue. There's an edge to these songs that most bands don't have. Some songs are just as interesting and unique as their titles (i.e. "A Cross And A Girl Named Blessed"). The vocals are just as big as the music, without being drowned. The songwriting is engaging and relateable, without sounding like a retread. They are cryptic at times, and at others, accessible.

The first few songs of the album probably have the biggest potential for big hits, with "Cold ("But I'm Still Here)" being the most recognizable of the bunch. To me, the mid-section of the album remains the strongest. "Possession," a Sarah McLachlan cover, comes unexpected and is pulled off effortlessly. The original remains unrecognizable under Evans Blue's sound. "Eclipsed" and "Beg" are possibly the best of the album, as they manage to wrap all things Evans Blue into one package. "The Quote," being the closing number, obviously sends the album out on a high note. A song that you will probably remember the lyrics too after just a few listens. Overall, it's a really strong album, but I feel that something is missing. Maybe just a little shred more of originality? But as it stands, these guys are onto a great thing. Fans of the genre who are looking for a little refreshment are urged to look into Evans Blue and their album "The Melody And The Energetic Nature Of Volume."

But reviews probably do. Never the less i'll try to do this album and band justice.

Simply put... This is the best new rock band i've heard in some time. Their style and lyrics are very different then the current faces out there, and usually debut albums suffer from songs sounding alike but I just don't see it on this one. Every song is pretty unique and different sounding. There are the stand out tracks (1, 2, 3 and 7) which are most likely the single candidates - but honestly every track on here is good and worth your time.

A very strong debut and I hope more then anything that these guys stick with it and keep going. They are beyond creative.

I don't know exactly how to classify this band. Nu-metal? I don't think that term really applies so much to the heavy music scene anymore.
I would say that they would be alternative metal, not emo or nu.
First off, the vocals are just amazing. Not only the leads, but the backing vocs and harmonies are excellent. Haven't heard better since maybe Alice In Chains.
Every song on here is worthy of being a single, and I think if they got the proper backing, they could be huge. There are hooks galore. I think I almost OD'd on catchy tunes. There are a few tender moments on this disc, but it rocks pretty hard while keeping true to the melody in it's title.

If you enjoy bands like Taproot, 10 Years, godhead, etc., you'll love Evans Blue. No, they are not hardcore or anything, but I'm not ashamed that I like a broad range of rock and metal. I listen to Lamb of God and In Flames, too. I can appreciate great music when I hear it, and these guys are great.

I decided to check out this album basically on a whim. Never really payed much attention to the single on the radio, but I noticed some strong reviews for it, so I went out and bought it. I wasn't dissapointed. This is a very interesting and promising band, and its a very strong debut.

Comparisons are bound to be made about the lead singers voice, and while he does sound like other famous artists, I find his singing to be very strong and unique in its own right. All the songs on the album are very well done, and they are brimming with emotion and feeling. The only complaint you could really lay against this album is that it does sound like other bands that have come out in the past few years. While that may be true to a certain extent, all music is influenced by some other form of music in one way or another. And Evans blue just makes this kind of music very well. One thing I like is that each song adds something a little different or unique to it, so it never feels like more of the same.

Overall, I'm very glad I picked this album up, i'd highly recommend it for hard rock/alt fans. I look forward to see where this band goes from here.

This cd has souch a great sound. It would be hard for any new band to surpass this cd. if you like breaking benjamin then you will love this band just as much

I became the biggest fan of Evans Blue after their first album. I was so excited about this cd coming out! Their hit- "The Pursuit" is just amazing! This CD has not let me down at all! I listen to it all of the time. I have only had it a month and have just about worn it out. Of course, after listening to it a few times I picked out my favorite songs...the ones that made me feel so much. Then after listening to it more and more, EVERY song is a favorite. I started to listen to every word and the way it flows with the music. Let me just say Evans Blue not only plays and sings well, but the writers of the songs are very talented.
I still have my favorite songs....don't we all?
I am such a fan of this CD and the band.....I proudly wear my Evans Blue shirt and show and announce this CD to every one. I wish every one knew about this band!
The songs on this CD speak to every one on a different level.
"Pin-Up" is a favorite of many. It is my favorite! The music is slow....you begin to feel a sadness inside...may be a regret....then may be some ugly inside of you...and here we go into the chorus! It gets a little faster...and this burst of feeling just keeps pouring out of you!
Most of the songs on this cd are this way. They all have an edge to them. Some are harder than others. That's when you let out the rage inside! You will pull out the good, the bad, and the ugly....and it feels so freakin' GREAT!!!!
"Kiss the Flag" is very patriotic!
"Painted" is pretty amazing. Listen to it... and realize that you may cover up a lot of yourself for others and the world. Where is the real you? Find it.
"Caught a Lite Sneeze" is originally written by Tori Amos. Evans Blue does a fantastic job of singing this.
This entire cd is so much more than I could possibly put into words. You feel something with every song. You can be in any sort of mood and then listen to this CD...and BAM!!!!!!..you feel so powerful...so ALIVE.....something about this music makes you feel so happy to be awake and breathing. It is also a good way to release hurt that may have built up inside your "painted" self.
Buy this cd...and feel more ALIVE....FREE...and FEEL all of the passion that is flowing out of the music of Evans Blue. Bang your head around a little

"The Melody..." is one of the best albums I've picked up in the past two years. So many of the tracks are absolutely bombastic. With such intelligent vocals and a variety of ups and downs, backs and forths, you're never bored with the CD, yet the band isn't too experiemental.

My favorite tracks on the album are "Beg", "Over", & "Possession" (although you'll have a tough sample on here b/c the first 30 secs. of the song is rather dull). "Cold (But I'm Still Here)", the band's first single, is actually one of the dull spots on the album.

That being said, I overjoyed to see Evans Blue this past August w/ Breaking Ben and was so absolutely unimpressed and disappointed I couldn't look at the band w/ the same zeal I once had.

Yet, for all that the band cannot do live (the only exciting part of their performance was when Ben Burnley came out for a duo on "Beg"), the CD cannot escape my favorites. If you're the fan of rock and roll who despises a "studio-based artist", as I typically am, you may not be much of a fan of Evans Blue.

But if you're a fan of bands such as 30 Seconds to Mars, Saosin, Breaking Benjamin, et al, you'll truly enjoy this CD.

I'm sorry but just because a band has some similarities with others, does that make it some sort of musical sin? Not to me--This album rocked me and that is all I really care about. Let's face it every band has influences, and there are only so many chord combinations possible.

Beyond creative. Beyond bold. Beyond just an average band. Obviously you have heard Cold (but I'm Still here) on the radio, and if you haven't, I feel bad for you because you are missing out. This whole cd is about the melody and the energetic nature of volume. If you think about this for a second:(refering to a previous reviewer that shouldn't have written one) what do you do when the girl in your life leaves you in shambles? The melody that was once there, is now replaced by this loud energetic of nature of volume and every emotion is expressed through every means possible. Every song on this album makes me think "wow, why do all these lyrics pertain to my whole life and all my buddies that I know?" Because every song is just so pure and true. The riffs are great, the background vocals are pleasing, especially in "Beg," and the up and down rythum just rocks my socks off. The artwork on the album cover is also awesome. It refers to the first song and just explains it all. The title of the album just says loud and you know it will have its issues within, but a girl is trapped in this jar and has no way expressing any nature of volume. Brilliant. You got to give props to any band that ties a whole album together, instead of throwing a bunch of crap together and relying completely on the popular hype for the demand of one hit song. What else could you ask for a debut album? Songs that I just can't get enough of are...well all of them. A Cross and a Girl Named Blessed(first track that relates to the art on the cover), Beg, Eclipsed, The Promise and the Threat, Over, and of course Cold (but I'm Still Here) are going to be your first favorites until you will eventually just love the whole album. They are finishing up their tour with Taproot. Please check out this album. You won't regret it.

The infusion doesn't begin slowly. It's a bolus of refreshingly abstract vocals layered over creative music. It's Evans Blue. And the effects from their debut album, `The Melody and the Energetic Nature of Volume' will hit you quickly and sharply. And, will leave you stunned, but awakened to the realization that you are in possession of one of the best albums of the year.

Enough cannot be said for the impassioned vocals by frontman, Matisyn. The lyrics run beautifully deep, are interestingly meaningful, and seemingly lead one on a journey through the minds of the band. The manner in which they are delivered is what sets Evans Blue apart from their peers. Matisyn moans his message with authority. His ever-flowing vocals feel so effortless, and his melodic screaming pushes the energy to new heights.

Equally stunning is the play of Parker Lauzon, Vlad Tanaskovic, Joe Pitter, and Darryl Brown. A lot seems to be going on within the music, though timing is excellent, and it all blends very well. Imagery abounds, the energy within can be felt, and the songs simply lift the listener. Evans Blue's blend of melody and hard smashing sound is the very definition of what hard rock should be.

The entire album sounds as if it was written with original thought and genuine feeling, the way one should be written. Not just for radio airplay. However, there are several songs that will hook you quickly and will certainly earn plenty of airtime. An interesting choice was made in covering fellow Canadian, Sarah McLachlan's 1994 hit, "Possession". But, it's surprisingly well done.

The five members of Evans Blue came together by chance and in just over a year present us with an album of significant magnitude. `The Melody and the Energetic Nature of Volume' is an incredibly moving album. It's easy to see them rising quickly from a relative unknown to one of the best new artists of the year. Their first offering, `Cold (But, I'm Still Here)' is already climbing charts. We'll be watching them as an early candidate for the Audio Abrasion New Artist of the Year 2006.

Christopher Wood
www.audioabrasion.com