Evergreen – Between & Beyond

& Beyond" width="280" height="247" />Kerala based band Evergreen is counted amongst the top Rock acts on the National scene, and from their debut album ‘Between & Beyond’ it is easy to see why.

The album spells out two words in bold, professionalism and balance. The album is professional in that unlike many debut albums belted out by Indian bands, all the steps in the making of the album from the conceptualization to the postproduction seemed to have followed a singular plan. The quality of the sound is rich and flow consistent. The balance between hard-hitting rock and softer ballads are maintained throughout the course of the album.

Evergreen present themselves as a band that is evidently inspired by the fast and heavy bands of the 80s but at the same time know when to restrain themselves. This control is usually associated with bands that already have a few cds down their bellies, because in the case of a debut each band member is usually trying hard to announce himself. For example, ‘Run To The Light’ and ‘From Here To Clarity’ are cool tracks with the band playing for and by the beat instead of overplaying. Guitarist Sunil Silvester wouldn’t come out the obvious choice for the post of an Indian guitar hero, but his work on these tracks and others such as ‘Altar of Dreams’ and ‘Sublime’ is commendable.

The album contains quite a handful of ballads, and in fact even the heavier numbers have slower and softer moments rubbed within them. The slow tracks are excellent, each have melodies that run through the veins and echo the wonderful vocal chords of Jagan George. Saji Anthony on the keyboard plays an integral part in filling the empty gaps. The album is a good example of how effective a keyboardist can be when the right application is made.

Having said that the album has its light moments, it is given that it will not be very appealing to students who have just discovered the likes of Iron Maiden and AC/DC. The album is bound to grab the attention of seasoned listeners who are tired of hearing the same screechy solos and down tuned guitars.

The band are what they are, a bunch of passionate musicians playing music as they hear it and as they love it. ‘Between & Beyond’ is a direct product of this passion.