Review Summary: EP more indulging than most Full-length albums
Back in 2006 while exploring the depths of internet for new music, I stumbled upon a Californian six piece - Evaline. The guys have just released their first EP and were actively touring the US. Instantly, the ambient and at the same time boisterous sound of Evaline caught my attention. The six tracks from ‘Postpartum Modesty. A Portrait of Skin’ made the way to my all time favorites list and stayed there for years to come. I like to think of that band as a kind of rare gem that you have found in the dirt and then cherish the fact that only you and a handful of people in the world can flatter themselves with actually having it. I am sure that most of us have bands that fit that description. After four long years Evaline releases a second EP which for my infinite delight manages to keep the spirit of originality and this perfect balance between relaxed/lush and rough/energetic sound. It is definitely something these guys excel at.
The Patterned EP contains only 3 tracks and to say that it is not much after four years of waiting would be an understatement. But somehow even with these couple of songs a band recreates the unique atmosphere from the old EP together with refined and clearly more produced sound on Patterned. One of Evaline’s strongest points is the drumming. It was extremely well delivered in 2006 and the departure of the previous drummer, Steve Forrest to join Placebo only emphasizes his skill while at the same time tearing a huge hole in band’s line-up. The replacement comes in the face of Greg Petersen who not only fills the role of Evaline’s drummer exceptionally well, but brings his own powerful style to contribute to the band’s singular sound. The intense breakdowns and fills on Hours and Patterned tracks make you want to jump into a mosh pit and severely damage somebody’s face. Gladly, on Beneath the Fire the drums provide relaxed and structured grounding to equally amazing vocals and synths. Richard Perry, Evaline’s front man does an excellent job creating melancholic and ambient moods with profound yet not at all empty lyrics. It looks like during these four years his voice matured, deepened and got soaked in bourbon for a while. Evaline’s pair of guitarists, working together extremely well, developed their own progressive, layered, crunchy sound, heard best on Beneath the Fire in its harmonious form and powerful distorted form on two other tracks. Overall the guitars add an incredible depth to all the songs on Patterned EP with transitions from progressive to post-hardcore sound.
Patterned EP along with more songs from a future studio album was entirely recorded and mastered in the UK under the supervision of Dan Austin, a recording producer for bands like Doves and Biffy Clyro. Only god knows how these guys got together but it seems to work out and result in Evaline’s even more distinct sound. In my opinion a new producer’s biggest contribution can be attributed to very well executed synths and effective ambience on every track. The feeling of floating and the band playing only for you is always there, regardless the state of your soberness.
It is indeed difficult to equal Evaline’s endeavor on Patterned EP to certain band or album. The vocals may remind of Anthony Green and Circa Survive material however not as high pitched and aggressive. The instrumental work makes some kind of an impossible blend of Thrice/Dredg/U2 sound with drumming from Deftones. In any case, it is this crazy salad of Progressive, Post-Hardcore, Alt. Rock that makes Evaline to stand out as a band. Patterned, is a great produce from a great band and hopefully the future full-length album will be another gem in your music collection.
