Evanescence- Evanescence
Virgin Records, Audio CD, Rs. 395
This American Rock band is back and how! Listening to this album makes you realise how much you've missed them since their last studio album in 2006. And if you're looking to hear Amy Lee, Terry Balsamo, Tim McCord, Troy McLawhorn, and Will Hunt spin the same kind of magic as before, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that there's a lot more on offer here.
Setting the tone for the band's self-titled album is opener “What you want” where vocalist Amy Lee she croons “Remember me? I'm everything you can't control.” Angelic yet anthemic and powerful, her voice just sends the listener into a trance.
Following this is “Made of stone” which is a dark number per se. The lyrics are brusque although Lee doesn't experiment too much.
“The change” starts off with soft and mellifluous vocals and the build-up is just brilliant. The vocals get louder just in time for the chorus. And it's Amy Lee's versatility that shines through impeccably.
“My heart is broken” begins with Amy Lee's lingering intro on the piano, right before she starts singing “I will wander 'til the end of time/torn away from you.” This piano-driven number coupled with crisp guitar work and drumming makes this track one of the best on the album.
“The other side” is one of the heavier tracks on this record. Keeping the tempo soaring is “Erase this”. An anthemic offering, this song is likely to work magic when the band performs it live.
“Lost in paradise” is just as soulful as the sound of its name. It's as if a new genre of rock lullaby is catching up. While the musical arrangement is superb, the sound of the harp is something that just makes you want to listen to it over and over again.
“Sick” is quite different from the rest of the songs. It's got a metallic texture to it thanks to Terry Balsamo's heavy guitar riffs.
Continuing on this note, with boisterous drumming, chunky guitar riffs and pompous bass lines are “End of the dream” and “Never go back”. “Oceans” is an average track. The album culminates with “Swimming home”, which is like an electro-pop song.
Lee's inimitable vocal delivery coupled with polished beats and a refined production makes one realise that the band has definitely been experimenting.
“Evanescence” is an absolute treat for fans of the band and something new to savour for first time listeners. No disappointment guaranteed!
Published - February 05, 2012 05:42 pm IST
