The Evens - Get Evens
< author: daniel > |
The Evens Get Evens Label: Dischord |
Ian MacKaye (Fugazi and the legendary Minor Threat) and Amy Farina (The Warmers) come back with their second effort on Dischord records, Get Evens. What began in the vein of Fugazi going on hiatus has become a real band and something completely different for both artists involved. The Evens don’t sound like a Dischord band. More akin to Fugazi than anything but still the comparison is dubious. The Washington Post, after The Evens self-titled debut was released, commented on the D.C. sound and said this is “what happens when post-hardcore becomes post-post-hardcore.” It is at times discouraging because the songs are strong but one can’t help but want something else, something more out of the two.
“Cut From the Cloth” is the highlight of the record. “How do people sleep amongst the slaughter?” MacKaye implores. The lyrics on the opening track are by far the strongest, but the rest of the album offers insightful messages and personal feelings but from Ian MacKaye, I expected more. I know this isn’t Minor Threat, and the music style isn’t my focus but the urgency. I can hear it from “Cut From the Cloth” but it doesn’t shine in many other songs. “Everybody know you are a liar,” from “Everybody Knows” is catchy and a personal favorite but upon first listen I expect more than lamenting against Bush and company and more of what was begun in the ‘80’s. Maybe I’m just a fool. Stop reading if my longing for Minor Threat is getting too much.
The music is good though. I’ve read elsewhere it is drudging and slow but I disagree. The tempo is subdued but not “drudging.” The Evens do tip-toe a fine line at some points from it being too slow and just right for mood of the album and where it begins to fail are where the guitars stop strumming and drums stop pounding, like “Cache is Empty.” AMG said The Evens “scaled back production” eliminating pianos and other instruments for the sound on the record. It is still in the air on if it was a good decision.
The Evens are still fighting the good fight. Trying to change people’s minds but what happened to riots in the streets and throwing bricks? I applaud The Evens for attacking consumerism, materialism, modern politics, corruption among others but some of the message is lost in moment. There are some interesting arrangements, thought provoking lyrics at times and worthy of your ears but where’s the blast beats and howling madman, apparently aging.
The Evens - Myspace