On Friday 2nd December, some friends and I went to see a band called Evaline play at The Bull & Gate in Kentish Town.
This is one of my favourite venues to see bands, as it’s big enough not to be all squashed up, and small enough to feel intimate. The beer is also cheap, which is a big plus, even if the staff are miserable. A few beers later and one ceases to notice anyway.
Evaline are a six piece ensemble from Modesto, California, whose sound has been likened to a cross between Jane’s Addiction and Radiohead; however, I beg to differ, and think, instead, that they have a uniqueness that makes them stand out.
The band have existed in various forms since 2003, but it’s only in the past 2 years that they’ve come into their own. They have supported Placebo, My Chemical Romance, and more recently, Bush since their inception, however, it’s about time they were recognised as a band that other acts support now.
The energy at Friday’s gig was electric. Evaline don’t stand about. As soon as the first chord was played, the place rocked. Richard Perry, the lead singer, has an amazing stage presence with passionate, moody vocals, which are more than adequately backed up by the huge sounds produced by the rest of the band.
And, unlike most of today’s auto-tuned pop acts, Evaline are just as good, if not better, live.
Check out Beneath the Fire, There There, Picking it Up and Overwhelming Shapes, and play them LOUD. Their fabulous first full album, Woven Material, is like going on a journey through their collective minds.
The band were joined by their former drummer, Steve Forrest (now drumming with Placebo), for one of their songs and the place went mad. I took home half a beaten in two drumstick, so that should give you an idea!
Such a shame the camera on my phone sucks.
Musically, I’d urge anyone to go and see them. Visually, well… let’s just say you TBW ladies won’t be disappointed.
You can find Evaline and news of their tour schedule here
Steve Forrest is gigging with his band Planes right now – you can find info here
Written by Fyrebyrd, TBW Gig Correspondent
