EVEN – Album Launch, Melbourne Wednesday 16 May 2018.
Review – Geoff Jenke
Photo – JoAnne Ginn
Even have been on the scene now for 25 years, releasing their near perfect debut album Less Is More in 1996. It is now 2018 and they have just released their 7th album, Satin Return’s with a special Showcase event in Melbourne, at the Richmond Theatrette. People who pre-ordered the album were given a chance to attend this small gig with only 100 tickets available.
Even fans are fanatical and it’s a shame there are not more of them. This band should be huge. Ash Naylor, Matt Cotter and Wally Kempton play 60/70’s influenced rock/pop with a good measure of Brit Pop thrown in.
Tonight, they don’t have to convert anyone. They can just have fun and showcase the new numbers. The first set consisted of 7 songs off the new Satin Return’s album. Starting with the first track off the album, appropriately called The Opener, it is obvious Even have not lost their touch in making the perfect guitar rock song.
Victoria has been around awhile, being released as a single in 2017. It does sound a little like something Oasis would do but with Ash’s twangy guitar, Even add their own stamp to the song. Introducing Pretender Ash said it was to be called The Pretender, but then The Foo Fighters went and released a song called The Pretender so Even decided to drop the The.
Little Piece and Out of the Woods have been in Even’s set list for a couple of years, but I have to admit, Out of The Woods sounded much better live on this night than it has in the past. Falling Down gave Ash the chance to highlight his guitar playing. He did say after the song that “there are not enough guitar solo’s in songs today” and that he is out to fix that. Just when you think the song ends, Ash takes the band into an almost CCR Ramble Tamble ending. Brilliant. A slightly laid-back Merimbula ends the first set.
Even put on pizza at half time to go with the free drinks for the night. They know how to look after their fans.
Set two and they “deconstructed” their discography by going backwards with a song off each album and E.P. starting with the incredible To the Lights. During the set, Ash told stories about the songs and the band, many which were quite funny, like, his son who told him he loved the new album name. Ash was impressed with this until he worked out his son thought it was called Satan, not Satin, Return’s.
Life Get In The Way is as good as Even gets. This blistering song is pure heaven and in one song, shows what Even are about. Rock and roll with style. The last two songs were from Even’s first E.P’s and it is not often you hear these songs, Stupid Dream and 24 Hour Cynic played these days. Even are playing better and better every time I see them. However, I have a minor gripe. On Ash’s set list under TBC was the song Return to Stardust which is from the new album, and they didn’t play it. This beautiful song would have rounded the night off nicely.
After the set the band mingled amongst the fans, happily talking and signing autographs. They are so humble and yes, I still think Matt is Australia’s version of Charlie Watts. Impeccably dressed, humble, plays a basic drum set up, but makes it kick up a storm. Wally is the perfect foil to Ash. When Ash commented the lyrics of one of the songs they sand actually come from a saying by a friend, Wally announced “Well you didn’t give him an album credit”. Though striving for perfection, Ash always remains humble. When the three of them get together and play, it sets our world alight.
I’ve said it before. Even should be one of the biggest bands in the land, in fact the planet… but then unfortunately I probably am only talking to those who agree.
Even will be in Adelaide at the end of July supporting Tumbleweed at the Gov. If your going, get there early and catch them. You won’t regret it.
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