Track Listing
1. So much for the afterglow 2. Everything to everyone 3. Ataraxia 4. Normal like you 5. I will buy you a new 6. Father of mine 7. One hit 8. El distorto de melodica 9. Amphetamine 10. White men in black suits 11. Sunflowers 12. Why I don't believe in god 13. Like a California king Year: 1997 Label: Capitol - Offical Site |
Everclear - 'So much for the afterglow' - By M. Freeman
Well lets get this straight, this isn't metal, this is whatever you want to call it, pop, rock, punk, but whatever you choose to call it, it's damn good. Released in 1997 on Capitol records, this album signalled Everclear's sudden rise to super stardom world-wide, and deservedly so after this performance. We begin with a song which takes it's name from the album title, this is as infectious as music gets. A scarily Beach Boys-esque capella sung intro is perhaps a little misleading as this erupts into a fast paced punk-rock masterpiece. Up-beat and great to sing a long to throughout the track, this sets the mood of the album in a way that could easily change a bad day into a great day. Next up, 'Everything To Everyone', lyrical genius is the feature of this track, but that doesn't stop the music from maintaining an incredibly infectious feel. There is a clear passion which Art Alexakis puts into most of, or all of his work, and this track deserves to be learnt inside out so you can have the pleasure of knowing all the words every time you hear it. A pause from the action is 'Ataraxia', a parody of 1950's media commercials, it's not totally neccessary, but with each listen to the disc, you realise there's a meaning behind it, and it in turn sets up the next track well. Track four is similar in many ways to the second cut from the album, 'Normal Like You' has the infectious vocals from Alexakis, the bass and stand-out backing vocals from Craig Montoya and the catchy drum beats from Greg Eklund blend excellently. Another top tune, undisputedly. 'I Will Buy You A New Life' is like several Everclear tracks in the sense that it gives the listener an insight into Alexakis' life, the song is about what you'd expect it to be about, buying someone close to you a new life. Some good lyrics, more infectious musicianship and a well polished piece. On first listen, and for a while after owning the album, this track was too happy, but when I came back to listening to the CD a couple of years later, the real quality stands out and, in short, this is a feel good song, and it works so well. Now comes my personal favourite Everclear track from any of their albums. 'Father Of Mine' is emotionally powerful, although the story behind the lyrics is quite upsetting to reflect on, the track is amazing, the music is brilliant, and the vocals are as catchy as ever. Without question the albums high point. 'One Hit Wonder' is a more low-key affair, it's well constructed, but it's not anywhere near as good as much of the album can boast to be. To be fair, it follows the rules Everclear had set themselves with the record, but the difference is that it's a bit too mellow, it still has some catchy vocal arrangements, I can't help but feel the album would've stood better without this track starting so lightly. 'El Distorto De Melodica' is, to my knowledge, the only released instrumental track by Everclear. Despite the absence of the lyrics, the track holds it's own with a perfect positioning midway through the album. This is one of the best pop-rock instrumentals I have personally heard and I doubt many will be as catchy. Another great track thumps along in the form of 'Amphetamine', this track is slightly different in composition to the rest of the album, with it's power-punk influences it makes a welcome change, and again holds strongly in it's place. Pretty dramatic lyrics feature here and the slow-down towards the end of the track fit just as well as one could've hoped. Here is another track I didn't like at first, 'White Men In Black Suits' is another slow piece, but it's surprisingly well co-ordinated from start to finish. I advise that this track is given a chance, despite it seeming a little drab to begin with, it's actually a really good listen. The feel good factor about Everclear's music returns on track eleven, 'Sunflowers' is an all round nice track to listen to, and in my personal music collection, makes a great change from the angry music that's beginning to flood the CD racks! One thing that continually strikes me about some of Everclear's music is that when they have a relatively weak tune, the lyrics seem to be strong. 'Why I Don't Believe In God' has a strange guitar riff which resembles country music (!) to accompany the lyrics which have true and deep meaning. The final track on 'So Much...' is 'Like A California King', and what a brilliant ending to the album it is too. The guitaring is as infectious as that of the opening few tracks and the vocals are just as good. Whilst not being as up-beat as some of the work on the record, it's not too slow an end to leave the listener losing interest either. If you felt that jumpiness and collective feel that was present at the start of the album was missing, then you're in luck... A minute or so post - 'Like A California King' comes a superb hidden track which is not unlike the albums title track. There really could have been no better way of ending this album. From beginning to end, this CD is excellent musicianship. Whilst not being something that all tastes will love, the album should be taken at face value, with no expectations, and this will be a welcome addition to any collection and worth while for anyone to buy. Metal Obsessive Grade: 98% |