Evolver One Review

EVOLVER has changed their name to EVOLVER ONE. Accompanying their new title is a new feel, new look and new focus – all without losing that raw, powerful, edgy sound that has brought them to this top quality level. In addition to some of the newest equipment I’ve ever seen, full time roadies and coordinated sound guys, you are still guaranteed a great evening, and of course there is always the advantage of checking out Pete’s sexy…uhhh… voice.

I have reclaimed my groupie status by being to three shows in the last two weeks; their CD launch, a big party at the Blues Room, and as part of the ‘cheering crowd’ at MK’s Studio 1.

Being the fabulous marketers the Evolver One’s management team are, the fan base is multiplying as they take the ‘build it first’ approach. Never forgetting about the fans, last Friday the band held a “get your name on the guest list” gig. All you had to do was send an sms and voila…you’re a VIP! And as a result…the Blues Room had one of the best turnouts and most incredible evenings the venue has ever seen! The fans were into it from the word go, the band (as always) gave it their all, and by the end of the show, most the crowd were on their feet. Nice!

With regards to the new album – it is another milestone reached for Evolver One. This is a band that knows all about hard work, and has proven that despite this tricky industry, the focus can still be on the music. The songs reflect the band’s musical maturity enforced by each track. The lyrics are poetic and soulful; the message is significant; and vocals are hypnotic. The album’s top quality production was by Nathan Winkler (a guy who could do some serious name dropping), and this is the type of album that soars up charts.

As for the tracks themselves, the first one that stood out for me was the duet Pete does with the robot. Ah, I’m kidding, Pete doesn’t sing with a robot – that’s just ridiculous. But there are some fancy vocal effects on my favorite, MOVE ALONG – such a killer song. The easiest song to get hooked on is SAY YOU WILL; my personal mantra off the album would definitely be CRIMINAL (now on a radio near you), and I couldn’t wait to get to the next gig to rock out to the chorus of SONIC CITY.

My biggest disappointment of the album is that there are no lyrics in the album cover – as this is an instant stall, but not deterrent, on my sing-along-ability obsession. EARTH SONG just makes me want to go out and litter, but everyone else seems to like it, so now your only option is to buy the album and see for yourself.

If you want to find out more about the band, the Evolver One website is a good place to start. It is also the only way to get hold of their radio hit-single ARE WE LISTENING? as a FREE download. Check out a bunch of multimedia clips, the list of charities the band support, gig listings, fan club, etc. on www.evolverone.co.za.

Now, I promised I wouldn’t use the words ‘Sergeant Pepper’ or ‘My Chemical Romance’ when it came to the look the guys have adopted, but what I will say is that Pete, Sean, James and Tulsa are looking as hot as ever. The new style holds the band together in a way that very few bands can convincingly get away with…and you know what they say about men in uniform.