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Reviewed by Olly Clifton

The Eversons: Stuck In New Zealand

Reviewed by Olly Clifton

The Eversons: Stuck In New Zealand

Wellington foursome The Eversons moved to London in the middle of 2015 to finish this album that’s been in the works since the release of their debut album in 2013. The incredibly bold and playful sound they carved out on ‘Summer Feeling’ is carried over, but exaggerated with catchier hooks and punchier sounds across nearly all tracks. Good At Making Enemies is one of the most single-esque tracks, unapologetically pop punk with its ‘ooh la la la’ backing vocals and ridiculously fuzzed out guitar solo. It’s followed up with the equally fun Baby You’re a Jerk, complete with the corniest synth sounds possible and quick New Wave-y rhythm guitar. The band seems to have a lot of fun jumping around genres, parodying them, adding their own distinct sound and mostly avoiding sounding too cheesy. The slowed down I Found God is a refreshing tremolo-filled ode to Phil Spector-era Californian pop. Emily is a chugging Bowie-ish glam rock experiment with lyrics that reference a bunch of iconic NZ songs. There are a couple of weak tracks on the record, most notably Generation Wimp which seems to lyrically attack the overly PC attitudes of the modern-era, sung in mocking tones over one rolling guitar riff. Satirical no doubt, but it is hard to tell, and one in which the Eversons over-the-top aesthetic veers a little too much on the abrasive side – clearly intentionally, but nevertheless unattractively. The line is also probably walked over on final track London City Town in which the vocals, lyrics and in your face production become a little tiring. ‘Stuck In New Zealand’ is definitely not for everyone, but the more I listen the more it grows on me and the more I must struggle to get the Eversons’ licks and riffs out of my head.

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