Evangelicals
Thursday
Reviewed by Darcie Stevens, Fri., March 14, 2008
Evangelicals
The Evening Descends (Dead Oceans)Is there some antiquated state law forcing every band from Oklahoma to emulate the Flaming Lips? Norman's Evangelicals have taken that neon-lit ball and smoked out with it. Opening with the space tripped title track, The Evening Descends quickly snowballs into a confusing asteroid belt of otherworldly sounds and creepy arrangements. The touring quartet's sophomore effort is replete with odd effects, dialogue, and a deft pop sensibility. Each song stands on a Lynchian storyline: "Snowflakes" introduces 1950s innocence to a calm dawn, by way of Josh Jones' boyish vocals; "How Do You Sleep?" barges in with jarring rock and eerie accusation. By the time the album slips into the "Bloodstream," night and day become one Freaky Friday. Intricate layers and rolling, subtle lifts give way to chaos, but taken in one dose, The Evening Descends is a few hits short of lovely. (Thursday, March 13, Mohawk Patio, 10pm.)
