aaamusic | On 09, Apr 2012

Ghosts of Pixies and My Bloody Valentine inhabit the first album of Evans The Death. Claphamite ensemble draws upon a clear influence from indie-acts and shoegaze-wave of the late 1980s and early 1990s. References thus start with the Breeders and Corgan-ish guitars in opening track Bo Diddley, where the main characteristic of Death of Evans emerges apparent in Katherin Whitaker’s unique voice and weird pitch.
In spite of the simplicity of its harmonies and the catchiness of its melodies, Evans the Death requires more listening to be fully appreciated. Eventually, this album seems original and derivative at the same time thanks to its ahead-looking nostalgia. These Londoners in fact recreate memories in a refreshing and irreverent way.
Hence Kevin Shields & Co. receive an energetic treatment in Threads where post-punk meets shoegazing distortions, while the Pains of Being Pure at Heart play with Yeah Yeah Yeahs in the saccharine-fuelled riffs of I’m Unclean.
Named after the undertaker in Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, Evans the Death comprise of Dan Moss (guitar, vocals), Katherine Whitaker (vocals, keys), Olly Moss (guitar), Rob Mitson (drums) and newest member Lan McCardle (bass) – original guitarist Matt Gill having left the band following the completion of the album.
Echoes of C86’s twee-pop emerge especially in the second part of the album in track such as What’s In Your Pocket and closing You’re Joking.
Infectious and only apparently immediate, Evans The Death will conquer nostalgic in Converse but also the hearts of purists of innovation. Evans The Death is out on 2nd April via Fortuna Pop!.

★★★★★

Lorenzo Coretti