By Lyndsey Gilpin
Recently, I noticed that the Evangelicals were going to play at Glassworks studio on Nov. 13, along with a few other bands. I looked them up and noticed they had a rating of 8.3 out of 10 from pitchfork.com, a Web site that rates independent music. Since I’m always looking for new music, I decided it was worth checking out.
I arrived at Glassworks midway through the second opening act for the Evangelicals. Immediately, I noticed that there were only 30 or so people there, which was surprising to me. However, the crowd looked pleased, and excited for the upcoming show; so I didn’t let that faze me. The opening band was called Holiday Shores. I had never heard of this group, but was impressed with the variety of instruments and sounds. They used a xylophone, tambourines and two keyboards. The two main singers both played guitar, as well as other instruments, throughout the course of the show. These two were set up facing each other on one table, playing in that position most of the show, with the drummer behind them and the bass player adjacent. The foundation of their music had an electro-‘80s feel, but the guitars added a jazz element. The band was full of energy and enthusiasm, and put on a great show. I was disappointed when they finished, after playing six or seven songs. But I saw enough to realize that success is likely in their future.
After Holiday Shores left the stage, we waited for the Evangelicals to set up for about 25 minutes. The most notable aspects of the set were two mannequin bodies, filled with purple lights, saran wrapped and placed on either side of the stage area. It was an odd sight that gave the band an eerie aura right off the bat.
As they began their first song, a fog machine began spilling smoke around the members and the audience. Their sound was as eerie as the visual experience; the lead singer, Josh Jones, moaned and yelled lyrics that fit perfectly with the atmosphere. The Evangelicals’ sound was comparable to the band Muse in many ways. The entire performance had a spooky feel, with crunching guitars and screeching high notes.
The overall sound of the Evangelicals was interesting, but I personally enjoy hearing lyrics from the artist, so I was a bit disappointed. The guitars, keyboards and sound effects were impressive, but it became repetitive after the first couple of songs. Each song had basically the same layout: the band would rock out for three or four minutes, it would quiet down and the audience would almost begin to applaud, then Jones would give a short solo and they would rock out for another minute, until the end of the song. The performance felt somewhat impersonal and boring at times. On several Web sites, I have read that the Evangelicals are known for their enthusiasm during a show. But, sadly, I did not feel this enthusiasm as much as I had hoped.
The group played a set of nine or ten songs, and then the concert ended abruptly. The Evangelicals were talented, no doubt, but did not put on the most memorable show.
