SELF-EVIDENT
"Angular"
(Blue Worm Records; 2003)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
I didn't quite know what to expect when I popped Self-Evident's "Angular" into the ol' CD player, but I must say what I heard was unique and intriguing (albeit not quite hard rock or heavy metal). Self-Evident do not seem to be weighed down by any single genre, yet their approach to music does not leave their songs too chaotic or dense to lose the listener after a couple of listens. Self-Evident seem to draw equal inspiration from styles such as progressive rock (the modern post-everything progressive rock -- not the classic prog-rock style), the softer side of indie rock, and the driving emotion of emo.
Most of the tracks are more mellow than warrants for a review on Rough Edge, but the track "Anti-Attitude Attitude" really struck a chord with me. It's a fairly rockin' number with inventive playing and dead serious interplay between the trio of band members. "Anti-Attitude Attitude" also injects a jazzy ying-yang to the proceedings like a deliberate artist that pushes and pulls their audience into uncharted territory.
Part of me wishes that "Angular" was an instrumental album as the progressive rock tendencies of "Angular" seem more suited to exploring the self-assured combination of varied musical styles. I guess the understated nature of the vocals made me think that Self-Evident could do just as well without lyrics getting in the way.
"Angular" is something I’ll put in solid rotation among other indie rock faves such as Fugazi and The Dismemberment Plan -- these are the only bands I can think of that come close to Self-Evident’s approach to music. "Angular" is a solid release that should be a solid stepping stone to achieving a wider fan base. That fan base may not be an exact match with most Rough Edge readers, but I do believe that there are Rough Edge readers who would appreciate "Angular."
"Angular" was produced by Self-Evident.
Self-Evident: Conrad Mach on vocals and guitar, Tom Berg on bass and vocals, and Brian Heitzman on drums.
For more information visit http://www.self-evident.net.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
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reserved.
Revised: 01 Dec 2019 12:47:26 -0500.
