Songwriters like Art Alexakis don't stay out of the spotlight for long,
especially after releasing so many hit singles with a band. EVERCLEAR
was responsible for a number of simplistic, catchy, alternative rock
hits in the late 90's/early 2000's including "Santa Monica", "Father Of
Mine", "Everything to Everyone" and "Wonderful", so it's no shock that
after parting ways with bandmates Craig Montoya (bass) and Greg Eklund
(drums), that Alexakis would be back with a new band, and a slew of new
songs, reminiscient of the tunes that put his white haired, tattooed
mug on the map.
Welcome To The Drama Club contains a dozen songs in that very
distinct, hooky Everclear style..slightly evolved. The first single
"Hater" is all about breakups; celebrity breakups seem to be the theme
of the year, so why not write a song pointing out how celebrities can't
seem to stay married for more than five seconds? Why not indeed.
Alexakis' own relationship problems might have served as inspiration as
well (he suffered his third divorce in the wake of the band's breakup).
"Hater" is one of those anthems that could imagine being cranked out of
an open sunroof along the beach, and could easily tear up rock radio
this summer prior to the album's September release.
The disc's lead-off track "Under the Western Stars" features keyboards,
coutesy of new member Josh Crawley, and features a more layered sound
for Everclear, which previously had relied on much more simplistic
guitar lines and vocals. This version of the band sounds much more like
a fully-functioning band effort than a three piece outfit.
"Shine" also showcases Crawley's keyboard playing in the main riff, and
almost sounds like a tip of the hat to 70's era Stevie Wonder without
totally deviating from the Everclear style.
The years following the breakup of the original Everclear lineup were
eye-opening for Alexakis, to say the least. In additioin to divorce,
the frontman filed for bankruptcy, and somehow managed to land on his
feet, put another band together, and land another record deal with
Eleven Seven/Universal. Could 2006 be the comeback year for Everclear?
All indications seem to point that way.
