Everclear - 'Slow Motion Daydream' (Capitol)
4/5
By: Matt Tomiak
The Jimmy Eat World with an edge, Everclear's intriguing blend of melodic guitar hooks and satire shows no signs of abating on this, their sixth album. The intriguing duality of Art Alexakis, an ex-heroin addict, writing and singing ostensibly lightweight radio-friendly punk-pop has ensured Everclear have always remained ahead of their more frivolous peers.
Opener 'How to Win Friends And Influence People' recalls fellow big guitar-anthem purveyors American Hi-Fi, whilst the band - Alexakis, bassist Craig Montoya and drummer Greg Eklund - manage to rock as hard as the Foo Fighters on 'BlackJack' and emote as genuinely as the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the reflective 'Crysanthemum.'
Then there's the obligatory gotta-be-a-hit-single and stand-out track. This time, it's called 'Volvo Driving Soccer Mom', and marries a brilliantly catchy tune (replete with eminently whistleable 'na na' chorus) with incisive lyrics ('I used to be a dancer at the local strip-club/ But now I know my right wing from my wrong') . Bemoaning the dull, conservative existences of the once wild and uninhibited, it manages to be amusing, cutting and a rollicking good pop song.
So plenty to jump up and down to - but there's a bit to think about here too. Makes a change.
Artists in this article: Everclear
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