Following his success with “The Planets”, “Twisted Wheel” and his solo debut album “Sickly”, Stephen Evans has been busy working on new material for his forthcoming second album. As a musician, Evans knows his stuff, and his diversity and vocal adaptability is evident in his back catalogue. As a singer, Evans is a duality of pristine purity and animated raucous energy, that soars throughout his individualistic, refreshing music. As an artist, Evans reminds me of a space-cowboy/rock time traveller who gallops through the universe in search of adventures, whilst taking a few quantum leaps along the way. He really is a true talent, whose single “The Raven” has been selected as my Single of the Week.
Based on the poem The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe, “The Raven”, is an explosive song, whose assault of impressive riffs have been ingeniously crafted to harbour extracts from the poem. It’s a brilliant song, which once again illustrates Evans’ talent as a singer and guitar player and is complemented by the beats of guest drummer Mark Coupe. It’s a head spinner, whose slap, dash, throw about energy bounces throughout the excitable sound scape. It’s through the frenzy of galloping riffs that “The Raven” starts its fuzzy, twisting and rolling journey. Through the slamming beats, rumbling riffs and wah splodges you feel a dip in aviation, allowing the song to spread its wings and emphasise the key lyrics. Lyrics such as “….I close the door, still hear that tapping louder” and “Nevermore” crystallises the sentiments of the song , that skilfully mirror Poe’s bleak poem. Such an intricate song, “The Raven” mutates with high speed velocity, allowing the spectrum of sounds to seep through. Meticulously crafted , “The Raven”, takes a mild excursion down 60s psychedelia, whilst getting tangled by the space-rock riffs that distort against the dramatic slams and looping riffs . Imagine a post-punk doing a flamenco dance, whilst wearing a few psychedelic love beads, then you get the idea what “The Raven” sounds like.
http://youtu.be/mMo03CvKO3Y