Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Evolve IV
Label: Progrock Records
Release: 2008
Duration: 50:31
Rating: 3/5
Evolve IV started out as a joint project between guitarist/keyboardist Peter Matuchniak and singer/rhythm guitarist Michael Eager. They were later joined by Paul Sheriff on drums and Jim DeBaun on bass, and so the project grew into a proper band. Like more and more modern rock bands, the collaboration came together over the internet, after the two went looking for musical kindred spirits to write and record music that would touch on their shared, mostly progressive rock influences.
Sonically, Evolve IV take a modern approach to progressive rock, but they also let other genres find their way into their creations wherever it feels right. Because of that, it’s hard to call Evolve IV just another bunch of prog rock revivalists, since they’re not shy about borrowing from some modern, commercially hyped pop rock bands you won’t find anywhere near prog rock revivalism. Alongside the dominant influence of old classics like Genesis, Pink Floyd, Yes, Rush, Marillion and Nektar, you can also hear traces of some contemporary, still hugely successful bands that have very little to do with prog, like Radiohead, Killers, Fountains of Wayne and Coldplay. Those influences are in the minority, so there’s no reason to panic for all the prog fans who can’t stand those darlings of modern radio stations. Matuchniak and Eager come from opposite sides of the Atlantic, and they blend their different musical influences accordingly. Peter, who hails from England, was part of the British neo-prog scene in the ’80s as a member of Janysium and Mach One, and you can really feel that on some parts of the album, which all neo-prog lovers will enjoy.
“Decadent Light” is their debut, and so, like most debut albums, it didn’t come with any big expectations. The first listen didn’t leave the best impression, but over time it started to grow on me. In the end, the conclusion was that with their approach of mixing different genres and modern and retro production, Evolve IV are definitely not among the most original art rock bands, but they’re still interesting enough to deliver quite a bit of fun to all those musically broad-minded heads who don’t stick to just one genre. “Decadent Light” is a solid mix of different styles, from commercial pop rock, prog rock, symphonic music and ambient to jazz, and in between there’s even a classic rock power ballad here and there. Anyone who sees progressive rock as a blend of different musical genres shouldn’t stay cold while listening, because the band does this in a very convincing way.
Michael Eager proves he’s a convincing singer, with a voice that works well enough over totally different sonic backdrops, and he’s even more convincing as a guitarist. His playing style, with plenty of funky passages and slide parts, reminds me a bit of the legendary Roye Albrighton, so it’s no surprise that some of the compositions have quite a bit in common with Nektar. Matuchniak shines on keyboards too, with a solid rhythm section keeping them company. The band shows that these are talented, technically accomplished musicians. That gives them great potential to eventually become a force to be reckoned with on the modern prog scene, once they manage to find a sound that’s uniquely their own.
Every song on the album is worth a listen, which goes to show this is by no means a weak start, but a convincing debut they can successfully build on in the future. The tracks that persuade the most and say the most about the eclectic nature of their music are the rhythmically ever-shifting “Number 16”, the jazz-spiced “Listen Up”, the romantic “Rolling Along”, where the keyboard sound carries more than a whiff of Fish-era Marillion and the quality female harmonies of guest Tali Azerad fit in brilliantly, the space rock “Saturday’s Gone”, which flirts with Hawkwind, the fun “Baby Come Back”, which flirts with country and classic rock, and “Voyager”, which, thanks to the drumming technique and some heavy rock guitar passages, sometimes sounds like a lost Rush track.
“Decadent Light” is a very solid start for a promising band, one you’d expect to make progress in the future toward establishing their own recognizable sound. This is an album that should thrill, above all, those prog rock fans who see progressive music mainly as mixing their favorite genre with other musical styles. Evolve IV aren’t ashamed to use the better elements of some modern pop acts who aren’t exactly known for musical innovation, which also counts in their favor, since it only enriches their sound and sets them apart from today’s prevailing prog revivalism. This interplay between Eager’s more modern influences and Matuchniak’s neo-prog roots is a good foundation for the rest of their career, too. But the album’s biggest strength is that, after some initial reservations, it grows on the listener very quickly, and the central arrangements won’t be leaving your head anytime soon. Evolve IV are therefore well on their way to eventually growing into one of the better contemporary art rock bands.
Lineup
Michael Eager – vocals, rhythm guitar
Peter Matuchniak – guitar, keyboards
Jim DeBaun – bass guitar
Paul Sheriff – drums
Production
Peter Matuchniak
Track list
1. Number 16
2. War
3. Listen Up
4. Judgment Day
5. Rolling Along
6. Saturday’s Gone
7. Must Have Been The Future
8. Baby Come Back
9. Voyager
10. Write
11. Goodbye
