Kevin Mitchell’s charming alter-ego is finally back.
After nearly four years since the release of Goodnight, Bull Creek!, Bob Evans shows a more mature, layered sound on The Double Life, the first taste of his fourth album, Familiar Stranger, to be released on March 15th.
First single ‘Don’t Wanna Grow Up Anymore’ is a straight-up pop number featuring Evans’ wonderful falsetto and some rather deep and introspective lyrics steeped in the nostalgia of youth.
Lines such as “I’m told from the dust of stars we came into this world / And shall return” are probably not what we’ve come to expect from the Jebediah frontman, but they perfectly complement the more breezy music.
These themes of growing up, and life and death, are a constant presence throughout the EP.
Backed by a fuller, less country and folk-centred sound, the new style which seems natural following the years long hiatus from the Bob Evans moniker.
‘Sitting In The Waiting Room’ showcases Evans’ storytelling talents at their best.
It’s intensely personal, all too relatable, and masterfully simple. Detailing a harrowing true story of the death of a close family member, it is both haunting and genuinely touching.
‘Antibiotics’ is an even simpler affair, and offers an upbeat and rockier sound than his previous work . Featuring fuzzy guitars and catchy hooks, the track even features a solo that’s perhaps more reminiscent of Jebediah than Mitchell’s solo work.
‘Wrecking Ball’ concludes the EP, and is the biggest departure from previous albums, with jittery guitars, pounding drums, and an explosive chorus.
It’s definitely a new sound, but it still retains Bob Evans’ unique vocals and style to satisfy old and new fans alike, and ensure both are eagerly anticipating the album to come.
