New album more like a sparkle than a fade Everclear keeps their distinct style with a noticable pop sound tacked on the edges
By Josh Werner Entertainment Staff
+++: Post-grunge success strikes the trio Everclear with a new stripped-down sound in So Much for the Afterglow (Capitol).
So Much for the Afterglow surely has a different feel than previous Everclear albums. Lead singer/guitarist Art Alexakis comments on this: "I felt Sparkle and Fade was my ultimate rock guitar record. I wanted to make more of a pop record this time...I think this record is a lot more dark than any previous record. But it's not as angry as World of Noise." The addition of keyboards and other instruments like horns and strings give So Much for the Afterglow an undoubtedly different sound. Despite the musical additions, Everclear retains its distinctive style.
"Everything to Everyone," the first single off of So Much for the Afterglow, is a perfect example of Everclear's somewhat changed sound. Fuzzy keyboard tracks provide a backbone for this chunky four-chord hit. Another strong track on the album is "Father of Mine," a song about Alexakis' father (or lack thereof). "Like a California King" is actually a track about Alexakis and his own sudden success. Other highlights of the album are "White Men in Black Suits," "One Hit Wonder," and "Normal Like You."
While Everclear was aiming for a new sound on So Much for the Afterglow, the album still kept the band's characteristic sound. Any fan of Everclear's past efforts would enjoy this album, which is clearly a solid follow-up album to Sparkle and Fade. So Much for the Afterglow proves that Everclear is not a once-and-done Cinderella act.
