December 15, 2006

{ An Evening With The Evens }

Ian MacKaye and Amy Farina are bothered by the standard rock show format -- where the band is bathed in light, the audience quiet in the dark, reverently gazing upward at their inaccessible idols. Maybe to MacKaye and Farina this situation mirrors the way our country is run: politicians, operating in their desires and not obligated to anyone, like the band onstage, decide what's happening next -- dictating to us what we should think, feel, do. And so, MacKaye and Farina's band, The Evens, turn on two bright white lamps before playing a note. They can see every face. Singing along, yelling out, dancing, and pretty much any other direct reaction are all very much encouraged. The Evens are trying to jab us out of a coma. They're aghast at the war, disgusted by George Bush, and tired of watching America slip deeper into its stupor. But they still have hope, and hope was the main theme of their set last night as AS220 in Providence, RI. I'll get back to that in a minute. In the meantime, I'll tell you how much I liked The Evens' sound. There was MacKaye's jangly, driving guitar, and his dynamic vocals, which created in me a fierce nostalgia for Fugazi. And that Amy Farina! She is a freaking joy to watch and hear. Her voice is strong and striking. Her drumming is crisply intricate, and full of really beautiful layers. The songs drop out, slow way down, and then come back in with a force that makes you want to vigorously defile George Bush. Such charisma. Anyway, that lovely hope enveloped the room, and I felt sort of indebted to the band, who made this world-weary, cynical audience feel like engaging in a group hug. Go see 'em, or get their records, for your attitude's sake. - Written by Vikki Warner

» The Evens' Dischord Records page
» The Evens' Southern Records page

By Alan Smithee in Music, Reviews | Comments: