Band:	Evans Blue
Album:	The Melody And The Energetic Nature Of Volume
Style:	Alternative metal
Release date:	2006

01. A Cross And A Girl Named Blessed
02. Stop And Say You Love Me
03. Cold -But I'm Still Here
04. Eclipsed
05. Beg
06. Over
07. Possession
08. Dark That Follows
09. The Promise And The Threat
10. Quote
11. The Tease

Commercial and slightly generic... but ultimately not bad

Evans Blue is the latest commercial alternative rock/metal band hailing from Canada and their debut album is proof that radio-friendly rock can be listenable and even intriguing. While not exactly innovative amongst bands like Evanescence, Taproot, 12 Stones or whatever, Evans Blue makes music that is personal enough to make them stand out of the pack and warrant some respect from this reviewer.

As the pretentious album title The Melody And The Energetic Nature Of Volume (which is explained in great detail in a totally incoherent and lengthy essay in the booklet) suggests, these guys are taking their lyrics and message quite seriously. This elevates them above the hordes of bands that pollute radio waves these days with lyrics that abuse words such as 'bloody', 'cold' and 'lonely'; however, it is not the only redeeming element of this album. The truth is that Evans Blue also really hits the nail on the head a couple of times here and manages to churn out a really well written song or two. "The Promise And The Threat" and "A Cross And A Girl Named Bleed" are such highlights, as is the cover of Sarah McLahlan's "Possession". Its not as easy as some think to write a genuinely catchy pop-rock song these days but these guys pull it off.

With all this said, this still isn't one of those albums that will impress anyone to the point of demanding a careful listen. No, this album is best played in the car or while doing some mundane activity. We won't be disturbed by the relative oversimplicity of Evans Blue's music and those good ideas that the Canadians do have will have a chance to permeate into our minds subconsciously.