lambchops's Full Review: Horrorscope [PA] by Eve 6
The vast majority of bands to debut between 1996 and today have been pretty forgettable. Often influenced by the sound of the moment (be it ska, punk, hard rock, or electronica), these acts have lasted for an album or two before disappearing off of the face of the Earth. Among the less-popular and least-innovative acts have been Marvelous 3, Marcy Playground, Lit, Remy Zero, Harvey Danger, and Seven Mary Three. The common thread linking these six acts was a hit song or two, one platinum-selling album, and too much support from MTV.
One other act that neatly falls into this category is the rock-punk-pop trio Eve 6. Formed in 1996 while Los Angeles natives Jon Siebels (guitar) and Max Collins (vocals, bass guitar) were still high school students, the act was finally able to complete their eponymous debut with the addition of drummer Tony Fagenson in 1998. That major-label debut netted the trio a platinum album and one incredibly catchy single…Inside Out. But the one thing that really does add some credence to Eve 6 is the fact that they are talented regardless of age and era. The songwriting was on the whole tight and Max Collins possesses a rich, timeless vocal talent. Unfortunately, it seems that the band may never be able to totally live up to their potential in part due to an iffy sophomore album.
Horrorscope was released in mid-2000. While Collins again sounds great and his lyrics are increasingly emotional (not intelligent, mind you) the album on the whole goes nowhere in particular despite being somewhat better than the majority of similar releases. The songs are fun, uptempo rockers that do little to carve a niche for Eve 6. It’s unfortunate that they sound so much like their musical contemporaries; the fact remains that the trio is significantly more talented than the majority of the musical peers. That’s why it’s going to be so sad when Eve 6 is never able to produce another wholly entertaining or even nearing classic album.
Containing twelve songs (written almost exclusively by Collins), Horrorscope contains a few better than average tracks. The first song I specifically recall hearing from the album is one that harkens back to Inside Out. Promise is sparsely arranged with guitars and drums that play second fiddle to Collins. He does seem to be the driving force behind these songs and this band. Fun, frenetic, and absolutely impossible to not groove to (regardless of my many attempts), Promise is a great track…of which part of the appeal rests in the easy to remember lyrics:
I spit and stutter stuff and clutter
Worries in my worried corner
Maladjusted
Just untrusted
Rusted
Here’s To The Night demonstrates a lighter, more emotional side of Eve 6…not to say that the band is usually abrasive. Most songs on Horrorscope are easy-to-classify rock and roll. This track, on the other hand, is the necessary ballad. I’m not keen on ballads, but it somehow seems honest and old. As though it would have been just as lovely ten years ago. Again, Collins shines with his deeply rich and natural vocals. Regardless of what you think of Eve 6 pretend for a moment they are cool and listen to him wail…you can slap me or thank me later.
Reminiscent of new wave on one level and rock on the other, Rescue is also a rather nice offering. The song itself is good, but the actual lyrics are a bit…well…lackluster. Any song that combines senseless references to Jessica Rabbit with words thrown together for the purpose of sounding good should be killed on site. That’s why it irks me that few people will ever hear Rescue, a lyrically stupid yet musically moderately interesting song.
Another better-than-average track is On The Roof Again. Collins delivers the lyrics in a somewhat punk (but don’t get me wrong…this isn’t by any stretch of the imagination punk in attitude or in sound) manner. The song itself is nice with grinding electric guitars and nicely arranged melodies. Even the occasional electronic element and distortion is fine. These elements add nicely to the layers. The lyrics are also of some moderate interest:
Sh*t went bad
He's on the roof again
She flipped he flipped the bird
And then he went to the roof
Where his threats rain loud and clear
Gonna jump gonna jump gonna die this year
A few other songs are pretty decent, too. I can’t help but find something good in Sunset Strip B*tch and Amphetamines. Unfortunately, the six songs I’ve just mentioned are also the first six on the album. That leaves a rather bland, sound-alike second half. But I want to make this as clear as possible…Eve 6 is very talented and they should if all is right in the world eventually grow out of this pseudo-punk act and gain the recognition that they deserve. Considering they have yet to hit a quarter century of age, the trio has a lot of time to perfect their sound.
Horrorscope is a good album. A tiny bit better than average, it’s not as shimmering as the self-titled debut. It hopefully will serve as a bridge between the promising Eve 6 debut and whatever is up next. As with all things in pop culture, time will tell…
Rating: 3/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Rescue
02. Promise
03. On The Roof Again
04. Sunset Strip B*tch
05. Here’s to the Night
06. Amphetamines
07. Enemy
08. Nocturnal
09. Jet Pack
10. Nightmare
11. Bang
12. Girl Eyes
It doesn t take an astrologer to notice that there is the sharpness and a vital energy of Eve 6. The Los Angeles trio write powerful, hook-filled song...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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