Two Tasty EPs

 

Eve 6 has been one of my favorite bands since I discovered them on MTV (yes, they've been around since 1995, and MTV still played music).  Their albums Eve 6 (1998) and Horrorscope (2000) still get regular plays by me, the latter being one of my favorite and most played albums front to back.  I was even a fan of 2003's It's All in Your Head, even though there were more slow songs.  Lackluster sales led them to be dropped by their label in 2004.  They reunited a few years later, but didn't put out new music until 2012's Speak in Code.  I was finally able to catch them on this tour and they still sounded great.  The album was my least favorite, however, as they went in a decidedly more dance-pop direction compared to their previous alt-punk leanings.  

Just this week they dropped the Grim Value EP.  The first track "Black Nova" has a dance groove to it, but also fuzzy distorted guitar and a deep echo in the vocals reminiscent of a garage band.  Track 2, "I Wanna Bite Your Face" sounds even more like the garage band stylings of the Strokes.  The song is carried by a driving bass line, steady drum beat, and classic tongue-in-cheek lyrics by Max Collins.  Track 3 has almost the same beat, but the guitar parts are faster tempo, and Max's vocals go up high as he sings "Can We Combine."  Track 4 has a high pitch guitar riff and low driving bass to back the most punk rock song of the EP, complete with comical lyrics of an infatuation with the "Angel of the Supermarket."  The fifth and final track, "Good For You" is more straightforward rock reminiscent of something from early Weezer.  In my opinion, this EP shows that Eve 6 is alive and well.  I would recommend checking it out, and I hope this is a sign of more good things to come from this band.

Crobot just released their new EP entitled Rat Child.  I have seen them live once, opening for Chevelle, and own their three LPs Something Supernatural (2014), Welcome to Fat City (2016), and Motherbrain (2019).  If you are not familiar with them, Crobot comes out of Pennsylvania, but they sound like Southern-hard-stoner rock.  Their debut album is particularly amazing top to bottom, and is my #4 album of the previous decade.  The other two have several great tracks as well.  The new EP begins with current single, "Mountain" featuring Frank Bello (Anthrax) on bass.  It has typical Crobot style with sick rhythms, headbanging riffs, and soaring vocals.  The video for Mountain is trippy and fun with a mix of live action and animated demons, castles, skulls, and more.  The second track doesn't hold back either.  We get even heavier riffage and guest vocals from Howard Jones (Light the Torch; ex. Killswitch Engage).  The video also makes me feel like I'm on mushrooms.  The third song is a ballad called "Everyone Dies" featuring Stix Zadinia (Steel Panther).  It is an easy one to sing along to.  The fourth and final track is the eponymous "Rat Child."  This one has the dirtiest grooves of the bunch and a slick guitar solo enough to satisfy, but leave the listener wanting more.  

I would have preferred another full length album from these guys, but they show no signs of stopping anytime soon.  This summer they are touring the midwest, but hopefully they come back east soon.  In the meantime, I might try their barbecue rub.  Check out merchandise and tour information at https://crobotband.com/

Eve 6 @Starland 5/11/12

After being a fan for about 14 years and four albums, I finally got to see Eve 6.

I went with Jeff Schonfeld.  After a little pre-gaming at my apartment, we got there after Breathing Blue had played and when The Hollow were on.  These guys were decent, but not great.  Their best song is "RunAway" which sounds like a complete rip off of the melody from Lit's "Pictures of You."

Then came Fall From Grace.  These guys had more energy and a more diverse sound. Their best song is "18 & Out."  After waiting around outside after the show for Eve 6, I ran into the guitar player Brian and then the lead singer, Tryg.  Both were friendly and happy to talk.  They said they had a good time even though they were "barely" getting paid and only sold 15 cds the entire night.

The Audition came on and I had been excited about seeing them since listening to the latest album, Great Danger, on Spotify.  First of all, they didn't sound nearly as good as the album.  Secondly, I think they were wasted because the playing was sloppy and the singer was wandering aimlessly instead of with whatever rhythm there was.  First time I have been disappointed like this in a long time.  What made it bearable was meeting this cute chick, Brett.  Too bad after getting a free drink outta me she took off.  I was gonna try and talk to her again later but I got distracted when Eve 6 came on and I was trying to mack it to another chick who then said she was not single.

Eve 6 came on and Jeff and I moved down to the floor for a closer look.  The venue was only about half full so this wasn't difficult.  The band sounded great and played a mix of old and new material including Open Road Song, Here's to the Night, At Least We're Dreaming, Leech, Promise, Victoria, and closed with Inside Out.
Setlist: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/eve-6/2012/starland-ballroom-sayreville-nj-1bdfa10c.html

I was disappointed that we waited 30 min afterwards by the buses and Eve 6 never came out.  Supposedly Max wasn't feeling well, but the other guys didn't come out either.  You would think after having a new album out and trying to regain support that they would be a little more appreciative of the fans.  Despite that I enjoyed seeing them and rocking out while striking out.  Overall a fun night and another favorite band checked off my list.