Evan Ønly- No Matter What EP (2014)
I know this isn’t album but bare with me, it’ll be worth it. I found this album while rummaging through the wide selection of cheap records Amazon is always trying to get rid of. Thrown in between another instrumental version of some early 2000’s hip hop album and a sad looking country compilation album, Evan Ønly’s No Matter What was the only thing that looked intriguing. So I looked up a little information about it. Evan Ønly is the surname of Evan Brody and his new solo career. Brody was formally the frontman for a band called Family Portrait, and helps run a Brooklyn record label. But now he’s putting out his own music, and the world is better off because of it.
It’s good to know that the 80’s are alive in well in these modern times, and it can be heard in Evan Ønly’s new EP, No Matter What. I haven’t heard sounds like these since Hall and Oates, or Kate Bush, or Mike and the Mechanics, and I couldn’t be happier. Brody does a great job in bringing back that sexy 80’s rock, complete with synth, electronic drums, and sassy guitar.
His first track, Shadows, starts off with the electronic drum tom hits, just like any great 80’s rock song, and from there I knew this was going to be good. Brody’s voice is soft and smooth, but commands the music so well at the same time. It complements the sound perfectly, but doesn’t get lost in the music. I just want to listen to Shadows as I drive though a rainy LA night trying to find the best clubs, as my leather jacket clings to my body like paint. And if that doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what will
Take Me Back gets a little further away from the retro feel. You can hear some modern hints in this one, especially in the drums. Maybe it’s just newer and better technology, or a purposeful change, but the percussion sounds new and exciting, while Brody sings smooth, emotional lines.
No Matter What has become one of my favorite songs of the year. The drums are strong and they push you through the song with intriguing beats that just make me want to get up and dance under a disco ball. Brody’s vocals are spot on, the synth is exactly what I want to hear in this song. No Matter What is just perfect. It goes up against some of the 80’s best stuff. I was thoroughly impressed, even on my first listen. Usually it takes me a couple listens to truly appreciate the music I’m listening to, but not this time. I almost went on amazon and bought a strobe light just so I could use it when listening to this song. Well done Evan Ønly, well done.
The vibe slows down a bit with Lifting Me Up, which is more of a slower ballad type song that seems to go on for maybe a little too long. It keeps up with the 80’s high school dance feel however. This song can just be that quintessential slow dance, let’s say. Alaina Riley gives Brody a nice subtle foundation of backup vocals on this track. I can’t find any information on Alaina, maybe she’s just Brody’s friend who he recruited for some last minute vocals, but she adds a nice touch.
The Actress, another slower song, is a bit faster paced than the previous Lifting Me Up. This song features some of my favorite 80’s sound effects. There are a lot of nice little touches in this song that remind me of that crazy decade. A lot of electronic, Casio keyboard sounding effects are thrown in, and I say that in the most loving way. Like the extremely fake sounding saxophone and the ridiculous drum effects. They may be cheesy, but I still love them
The album’s last track, From the Stone, pulls on some more of those great 80’s sounds. You can hear the Joy Division echo-y drum, like the one from She’s Lost Control. I don’t know what it is, but this song reminds me of Kate Bush’s Running up that Hill. It’s got the intense, driving feel that you’d put to a montage. Replace this song with Eye of the Tiger and I wouldn’t mind, you’d get the same feel.
But remember, this is just an EP. I mean, I went through each of the songs on this EP, there are only six. And even still, I want to call it an album. It feels like an album, and it’s better than most of the other new releases I’ve heard this year. Usually, an EP means that more music is on the way, so I can’t wait to hear more from this guy. He exemplifies that lively, pump-you-up 80’s sound that I’ve missed ever since Mark Mothersbaugh decided to write scores for children’s movies.
I did end up ordering the vinyl on Amazon. But they sent me an EP by the band Trans instead, this psych pop band from London. Amazon has never committed such an injustice. Regardless, here’s to the next generation of cheesy 80’s rock!
90.5/100
