HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVELINE

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.