CD Review of...
Evoka
When the Day Comes
By: Lori Kapes
Evoka’s debut album, “When the Day Comes,” is a pulsating debut that combines the best elements of rock and brit rock. Each track is different in their own ways in terms of mood and the intricacy of the rhythm. The best quality of the album is that fact that each of these tracks is a pretty good indication that this band just might be going places.
The album kicks off on a good note, no pun intended, once the guitar kicks in on the opening track “Dauphine.” The track sounds like a hit song Travis might produce but more Americanized. Bryan Ledbetter’s drum beat is straightforward to go along with J.M. Taylor’s thriving lyrics and vocals. The best part of the song, however, is the strings. The bass and guitar, played by Pete Small, Price Stevens, and Taylor, have a very brit pop sound to them to give the song life.
The best song by far on the album is track 4, “Kobra,” this track is incredibly aggressive. Taylor’s lyrics and vocals are very demanding once he hits the chorus. Everything just works perfectly together, the guitars, bass, and drums. Definitely the most rock sounding song on the album.
Track 8, “Sad Eyes,” is the second of the two slow songs on this short album. The strumming of the guitar is quiet and simple while Taylor’s vocals are sweet and mellow. The highlight of the track is undoubtedly Taylor’s vocals. Each of the words is softly sung and his voice rises effortlessly during the chorus.
Each of the 8 tracks encompasses the bands talented abilities and definite understanding of executing a good rock tune. Evoka, hailing from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is sure to make an impact on the mtv2 crowd or at least Travis lovers everywhere.