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WELCOME TO THE DRAMA CLUB
EVERCLEAR had a string of radio hits in the 90s such as “Father of Mine” and “I Will Buy You A New Life”. Whereas they would normally be categorized as alternative (even though that tag hasn’t fit them since very early in their career), this album is clearly radio rock. It’s hard to distinguish between most of the songs, but this isn’t about innovation. “Hater” is more reminiscent of their older songs; a send-off to a former flame with the biting line, “The sex wasn’t that good anyway”. There aren’t any straight-up ballads, but “Portland Rain” comes the closest.
The production isn’t overly polished, which is definitely a good thing, and the songs have an organic feel by being built around an acoustic guitar, especially on the first two tracks, “Under the Western Stars” and “Now”. Art Alexakis still has his trademark sound and delivery, and although the material is nothing revolutionary, he still can write a catchy rock song.
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