EVELINE

EVELINE is a music project from Bologna/Italy - wrapped in mystery - almost nothing is known about the four musicians behind. This time offered with a cosmic packaging their new album is a very atmospheric one. 'Alpha Omega' appears full of captivating songs provided with alternative as well as space and even kraut touches. It's rarely given that they really let it rock, but the guys definitely try to implement this in between, just check out Last Time At Alpha Centauri for example.

They start with a strong monotonic feel on To Kaluza's White Quasar - a simple guitar riff here, vocals remind of Thom Yorke there, somehow fascinating anyway. The groovy sections of She's From Mars attract my attention, Terrible N.1 is something difficult to pigeonhole due to tribal drums, weird organ and vocals - definetely provided with an avant touch. Then you can detect cool guitar riffs on Little Comet - overall piano, organ, samples are extensively used on this production - well thought out with care.

I would qualify this an extraordinary New Art Rock album, a fine blend of various music influences. Sometimes reminiscent of Talk Talk, Gazpacho and Radiohead 'Alpha Omega' is partially minimalistic - offered with a wonderful melancholic undertone on the one hand ... and enough trickiness as well to consider this entertaining, a good prog album which deserves full attention - 3.5 stars.

A rare and precious album, a beautiful steinbeckian pearl of a record with a subtle gentle quality that demands investigation. Eveline come across like the innovators that were 'Guided By Voices' before they decided to become lemming-like rock stars. Even shades of the majestic PFM circa 'Chocolate Kings' are here. How could one not be intrigued by song titles like 'Bin Laden & The Romantic Voice Of The Ocean'?.

The sign of a great album is it's durability, and this has been a staple of my listening habits for the last 3 months. How to describe?... Umm.. If it were a film it would be David Lynch mixed with the Coen Brothers. If it were a book if would be Julian Barnes and if it were a painting it would be Dali. A song 'Wyatt in Love' hints at a Soft Machine influence but there is also Jazz, Prog, Indie and more.

On 'Jefferson Peace Yeppy Ya Ye!!!' and 'gin.o.lemon' Eveline manufacture beauty that will make you lie down on your back and wiggle your arms and legs in the air in a hopeless but joyful way. Few songs can do this 'Fake Plastic Trees' and The Wedding Present's 'Heather' are two that come to mind. Eveline may have bridged the gap between 70's indulgence and noughties post-rock.

With the majestic 'Happy Birthday, Eveline!' album (Shyrec Italy - 2005) re-released on Sopot Germany (Oct 2007) Eveline have gone through something of a re-awakening with the release of their first 'new' album in 3 years. The praise heaped on 'Happy Birthday' by the Italian and German press inspired the Bolognese band to seek an audience for their 'English' music in it's own back yard and what an inspired decision by Sonic Vista to support what is truly one of the most remarkable releases so far this year. Evoking the 70's Canterbury sound (there was always an element of indie jazz to Hatfield and The North, National Health, Matching Mole and Caravan not to mention Robert Wyatt and Soft Machine). There is still that continental flavour to some of the tracks, 'Why want u' and 's/t' 2 good examples. An eclectic collection of subtle and intricate songs held together by a vocal sound reminiscent of Bernardo Lanzetti (PFM) and Peter Gabriel. Eveline have a 'style/image/aura' which conjures up freeform thinking, experimentation and intelligence. It's a complex blend of post rock, jazz rock, indie and electronica which has the effect of one of those nice deep dreams interrupted by fits of lucidity which tend to serve as a re-assuring confirmation that there are still pleasures ahead.