Conjuring up the spirit of Elliot Smith with a sprinkling of Tame Impala on top, Evan Wright’s songs float effortlessly into your eardrums. Yes he may be destined for those awfully titled ‘chill wave’ or ‘sit on your bum and do nothing for a bit’ kind of playlists, but delve deeper and there’s much more at play.
Stand out track ‘Turn The Other Way’ funds Wright pondering “Why do people change, why do people go, look the other way, learn to let it go” and backed by subtle drums and synths it’s a gorgeous ode to lost loves and friendships. Elsewhere the slow delicate pace of ‘People’ and ‘Just A Sign’ never fall into melancholic territory but have a slow serenity to their dreamlike melodies. ‘On The Line’ has Wright using sounds he recorded on his phone whilst walking through Union Park in NY and finds him contemplating “Everywhere I go there’s a cloud hanging over me”. His brand of indie tinged country psych also brings to mind Kurt Vile in his gentler moments, and ‘Sound From Out The Window’ is a aural equivalent of sinking down into your favourite comfy seat after a tiresome day, or feeling the warmth of the sun whilst sitting on your bum and doing nothing.
Had a bad day at the office? Someone on the bus or train being a prat? Stick this on, let Evan Wright wash your cares away and restore a bit of calm to your day.
Evan Wright – Sound From Out The Window: Out Now (Solitaire Recordings)
From the early days of creating handmade zines, in a DIY paper and glue style, interviewing bands around town, then pestering Piccadilly Records to sell them, to writing for various independent mags such as Chimp and Ablaze, writing about the music I love is still a great passion. After testing the music industry waters in London with stints at various labels, being back in my hometown again, writing about this city’s vibrant music scene is as exciting as ever. All time favourite bands include Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Patti Smith although anything from electro to folk via blues and pysch rock will also do nicely too. A great album, is simply a great album, regardless of whatever musical cage you put it in.
