EVERSHIP

This is a review that I have wanted to get to for quite a while, but never seemed to find time. But this seems like a particularly good time as Evership's third album is due to come out most any time now. Can't hurt to build up a little anticipation for this upcoming event with a little look back.

To be to the point, this was one of the best opening albums to come out in a long time. This has it all: great vocals, thought provoking and enjoyable lyrics, lonely piano, washing and charging synths in abundance, soft and driving guitar sequences, creative drumming, textured bass, and nice rhythm guitar work. Of particular delight is that each song tells a story that builds up and unfolds, and draws the listener in. Being as most of the tracks are in the ten minute range or longer there is a nice development and variety to the musical themes to support the content of the lyrics.

It's almost like each song is a sound track to a mini theatrical production. In retrospect, this seems to make considerable sense as the forthcoming Evership III (for lack of a better name) has been described on the band's media pages as a 'progressive rock opera', a logical and not entirely unexpected extension of their works so far. It will be interesting to see if it will be a singular concept album or multi topical as this first album.

Indeed, one of the attractions of this album is the variety of the first five tracks. The sixth and final track is an atmospheric outro (4/5). Here are my brief impressions of the five...

SilverLight: This my progarchives namesake song for the site, hence part of my angst about not reviewing this album sooner. This is a powerful guitar driven track over a nice wash of synths. It has a very prog eerie essence to it, but not surprising given the theme of the song, presumably the curse of a werewolf, "never mind the teeth, never mind the claw". Quite the tragic tale. (the Blue Oyster Cult boys must be envious that they didn't write this one) (4/5)

A Slow Descent in to Reality: If your expecting another guitar driven track, forget about it. Unlike the first track which is just a singular thematic track, this one is broken into six parts, each examining the human condition, especially as to what is valuable, what is not, and the ultimate purpose of our existence. Heady stuff with varying musical themes ebbing and flowing with the content of the lyrics, all building up to the final realization of what it's all about. Operatic? Yes. Prog? Yes. Makes one eager to see what the new album will hold. (5/5)

Evermore: This piece is in two parts and has received numerous comparisons to Queen by a number of reviewers. I have to concur with this assessment. But for me, it isn't so much that this song is thematically reminiscent of Queen, as much as what could have been if Queen had went more in this direction and were more progressive and less pop oriented. Queen II clearly showed that they had the ability to do it, but it wasn't the path they would take. This track on the other hand takes those elements and expands on them in a wonderful way: there is the comparisons to Freddie's piano, voice, and Brian may's guitar work, all wrapped up in a warm prog blanket. As much as I like this track, it is good that none of the other tracks pick up this flavor at all. Still, Can't help but enjoy this with a smile! (5/5)

So, a little side bar here: in this track, I have to ask if it is just my imagination, or if from 4:12 to about 4:42, is there a not so subtle guitar riff borrowed from the old original show "Lost in Space" opening theme music? I think so, and love it. Clever, imaginative, humorous, and just a bit of fun. Works for me.

Ultima Thule: "listen, a tale of the sea", the opening words of this song tell us a story will be told. Another theatrical production in all it's grandeur! This is a beautiful song about having a proper fear and respect for the sea, the giver of gifts and treasures, but also a keeper of a price and even a taker of lives. Starts slow and mellow and builds up to a energetic synth filled finale. Emotional and splendid! (5/5)

It may be of note that there is a line in this, "I'll cast him on the isle of the broken tree". Given that this ? the isle of the broken tree - is the title of a massive nearly 30 minute epic on the Evership II album, it will be interesting to see if there will be links between the the first two albums with the upcoming Evership III.

Flying Machine: This one is like nothing else on this album, totally different and unexpected. In fact, I would be hard pressed to compare this to anything else out there either. This plays out like an early 1900's period piece given the theme of the lyrics, the birth of air flight. This is an invigorating theme broken down in to three parts that demonstrates the resourcefulness of the human spirit in spite of the nay-sayers that would discourage them and drag them down, and the music, including the part two instrumental section reflects this. A truly unique composition and a real highlight of the song collection here. (5/5)

In conclusion, tracks one and five are very entertaining, and tracks 2-4 are thought provoking and emotive reaching the heart and mind. It's quite a nice combination, one worthy of being revisited frequently. If you are not familiar with this band, they are well worth investigating, and if you are familiar with them this is a great reminder of this band's abilities and its potential, and a great way to get prepared in anticipation of the upcoming Evership III.

Without a doubt, this group are great musicians, and superb story tellers, and purveyors of a fresh perspective of the musical experience. I for one can hardly wait to see what the evolution of this band will prove to be.

Share this EVERSHIP review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to SilverLight59
• Report this review (#2507651)
• Buy EVERSHIP music online with PA partners
• Show all EVERSHIP MP3/Stream
• Go to EVERSHIP page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Evership page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for EVERSHIP related discussions