EVERSHIP: Evership Ii (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Shane Atkinson's story is unusual to say the least. Composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and engineer, the Evership strongman made his debut playing in bands based in Nashville, USA, from the late 1980s. As time went on, the versatile musician devote himself to computer science, without abandoning the writing of his own songs. Following a dream he had in 2005, Atkinson had a revelation and sold his house, moved, built a recording studio and launched his film music production business to finance the release of his future albums. By the time his business flourished, Evership finally saw the light of day ten years later with a debut eponymous album released in 2016. The machine finally launched, our strong man released his second opus, "Evership II".

At first glance, the format of the album is typically that of a progressive rock album, with five long tracks, one of them reaching almost half an hour of listening time! Five tracks therefore, for as many different atmospheres. Beyond the diversity of the atmospheres which follow one another from one track to the other, the strength of the disc is to manage to make them cohabitate on the same track.

In the style, it is impossible not to talk about 'Real Or Imagined' which transports us to folk lands, at least at the beginning. At the end, the title really takes off with the sharp hard rock riff and the high-pitched vocals of Beau West that reaches impressively high notes without the slightest effort. 'Wanderer', on the other hand, begins with an epic Southern Empire-like feel before ping its ardor in verses that sound like a Dream Theater ballad.

Evership also stands out in more immediate registers like on 'The Serious Room' which opens the album with its verses carried by a groovy bass in a style reminiscent of Porcupine Tree or IQ. With its rumbling choruses that remain in the lead and a neo-progressive solo, the first track is certainly the most accessible of the album and one of the most successful.

Finally, fans of convoluted songs will be waiting for 'Isle Of The Broken Tree' and its 28 minutes. As one might have guessed from the length of the title, the song navigates from one style to another. The first few minutes are carried by a very melodic synth reminiscent of epic war movie soundtracks before giving birth to a folk verse led by a quiet acoustic guitar. This is then the opportunity for the singer to shine by putting forward a voice à la Bon Scott from AC/DC, as amazing as perfectly mastered. Like any long piece of progressive rock, the album closes with an ideal grand finale.

This is only Evership's second album. However, it is obvious that this "Evership II" was meticulously worked on before its realization. Good news for the fans since Shane Atkinson admits having written enough music for 4 or 5 albums during the last ten years. It is thus with impatience that we await the continuation which is already very promising! - Official website

EVERSHIP

EVERSHIP II

AUTRE LABEL

PROGRESSIVE ROCK