EVERMORE - Truth Of The World
EVERMORE - Truth Of The World
Written by Sarah Mudgway   
Friday, 29 May 2009 22:07
evermore - truth of the world
EVERMORE's history
reads like a story
straight out of a fairytale.

Three brothers from rural New Zealand
starting a band,
and making it big.

Jon, Dann and Pete Hume
hail from friendly Fielding.

A small farming community just out of Palmerston North,
which is known more for its retirement village-like vibes
than its capacity to breed international rockstars.
Growing up in Palmerston North, I witnessed first hand the growth of Evermore from high school rockquest contestants... to international exports. I remember the hometown pride when they were crowned Rockquest winners. I remember the sense of kiwi pride that swept the hearts of every 15 year old girl when their song was used on commercials for 'The OC'… when TV One pimped out 'Running' on a promotional campaign. If anyone, could personify the dream of a small town kid realizing their dreams, Evermore are it.

'Truth Of The World (Welcome to the Show)' is the third studio release for Evermore, and is by far their most ambitious. A concept album which is constructed to feel like a news bulletin (even down to their liner notes which read as a newspaper page, complete with advertising), it carries more like a theatre performance captured on disc... than a collection of songs.

Warning! This is not an album to purchase as background music at a mid-winter BBQ. This is designed to be listened to in one piece. To be soaked in, pondered, and embraced.

Opening with the instrumental track 'Plugged In', the social commentary aspect of the album is blatantly obvious. Evermore have a lot to say in 'Truth Of The World' – everything from global warming, the war on terror, the increasing price of fuel, consumerism and the influence of the mass media is covered... and that’s all just from the second track, 'Tonight On The Show'.

It may be rather cynical or ignorant of me, but upon first listen to the album... I did question the legitimacy of the intensely political standpoint of the album. Evermore never struck me as a band that was ready to take a stand, on literally every issue which is plaguing the globe at this present time... So why the sudden interest now? It all seemed a little too U2/Radiohead/Muse-esque for my liking. But hey, we need more people to stand up and fight against the injustices of the world, so I applaud them for taking the risk.

Personal standout track on the album is 'Max is Stable' – starting off with a beautiful instrumental introduction, which slowly builds into a stunning lyrical piece which represents a conversation between a teacher and parent about a childs performance at school. If Bjork, Sigur Ros, Radiohead and Muse all got together and had a child, 'Max Is Stable' would be what it would sound like.

'Truth Of The World' is an album which really needs to be listened to, in order to really understand. Evermore are pushing boundaries with this release, which undoubtedly will polarize opinion from both fans and haters. However, whether you are a lover or a hater, their innate ability to create a sound which is both distinctly ‘kiwi’ but also accessible to a global audience is undeniable, and will undoubtedly fuel their increasing recognition on a global scale.
Welcome to the show.
 

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