Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing The Sacramento- based band Evolutia. Check out that interview here: http://www.cwgmagazine.com/columns/coldiron/2010/02/the-evolutia-experience/

Today I’m here to talk about their latest release, a 5- song EP called Fear’s Fall. This record is a representation of what the band calls, “Progressive piano rock.” This is a perfect description of what this music really is. Music that utilizes piano and guitars (Stephen Cameron), and bass guitar and a micro- KORG (Andrew Barnhart). Their sounds can at once be soothing, intelligent, and groovy, with a depth of vocals and songwriting that suits the music like a beautiful dance. The interplay between the musicians is fantastic, illustrating the chemistry and long hours of work put in by the men who made it. Comparisons can (and are) accurately made to Coldplay and Radiohead. For me, the best comparison is to the Mars Volta.

The EP begins with perhaps the band’s signature song, My Element. This song begins with a beautiful piano introduction that goes for about 30 seconds. By the time the vocals start, I can already feel the groove and vibe of the music. I am already right there, curious, interested and longing to hear what will come next. The opening lyric of, “trying so hard not to fit in” is a perfect table- setter for the themes of this record. Combined with words coming a couple of lines later, “I fall apart without you,” (a line that is repeated throughout the rest of the song), it fits, it makes sense and it works. The piano breakdown at around 2:20 is further evidence of the amazing musicianship of Cameron. His piano playing would be fitting in a church or auditorium, (or Coldplay concert, where Chris Martin would have some serious competition.) My Element leads off this album, and in many ways, leads the album.

The next song is this writer’s personal favorite on the record, Half Awake. This is a song that channels the musical creativity of a band like The Mars Volta. The band found this comparison very flattering. The vocals on display in this song remind me most of all of that band, with the musical diversity to match. Once again, there is an amazing piano introduction, with simple bass played behind it. The piano and music build in tension, coming to a boil after a solid minute before vocals come in. The vocal run is moody and is sung over increasingly complex piano playing. The vocals and piano build to crescendo for just a few seconds, then subside into another verse. At the 2:50 mark comes a stop- go utilization in the music, helping to create mood and atmosphere, leading back into the main verse. In textbook Mars Volta style, the song winds up to an explosion of energy, guitars, bass and emotion that is let loose for about 30 seconds. More than anything, it’s the piano playing and vocal diversity that sets this song apart and lands it in my iPod. I am left playing this song in my mind for hours and days to come.

The next track is, We Used to Sleep. This is the heaviest song on the album, if such a word can be said about this style of music. Regardless, there is darkness, there is energy, there are professional transitions, there is great singing. Most of all, there is an edge and there is the spectacular bass work of Barnhart on display. Barnhart is on point with several bass walks and riffs. To a lesser bassist (such as myself), the bass work here is mind- blowing. As the song progresses, the utilization of a choppy guitar riff provides some toughness and attitude to the song and record. It is a pleasant surprise that reveals just enough to let the listener know that this band is capable of playing any style of music they wish. They play the style they play as a matter of choice, not necessity.

The title track, Fear’s Fall follows next. Once again, we are treated to an outstanding piano introduction. The purpose and meaning of this song is made clear early on with the vocals, “we shed this weight like it was our skin, the ones we love are lost again, and hope is becoming my closest friend.” I can feel exactly where they are coming from. Their point is clear and made beautiful by the articulate way it is expressed. I can see why the band may have chosen to name their EP after this song. It closes with a couple of minutes of fantastic, beautiful music played along with gorgeous vocals. This is a song that takes me on a mental journey… this is a good thing.

The album closes with the instrumental track, Influential. This track is just 1:10 in length and is essentially a reprise of Fear’s Fall, with some added bass groove and creativity. The band tells me that this track was almost chosen to start the EP. I think that could have worked just fine, but its’ place here at the end is even better. It is a fitting close to 20 minutes of fantastic music. I am left with a sense of completeness, having had this track at the end. It could not have worked any better.

Rating:

If you like Evolutia, check out Coldplay, Radiohead and The Mars Volta.

Find more on Evolutia at: http://www.myspace.com/evolutiamusic and stay tuned for updates on their tour, here as always, in the Continuum.