Album Review: Everclear – ‘Welcome to the Drama Club’

Music Reviews

By Patrick Luce Sep 12, 2006, 20:39 GMT

With ‘Welcome to the Drama Club,’ alt-rockers Everclear announce that they are back and better than ever. The album, fueled by the first single “Hater,” is filled with punk guitar riffs mixed with poppy beats, and lyrics that hook you the second you hear them.

‘Welcome to the Drama Club’ sees the band (singer/guitarist Art Alexakis, bassist Sam Hudson, guitarist Dave French, drummer Brett Snyder and keyboardist Josh Crawley) returning to the sound that first got them noticed, but also reflects a continued growth in Alexakis – who tends to mix somewhat gloomy lyrics about the wake of failed relationships with pop beats and fast paced guitar solos. The entire CD (which was produced by Alexakis and is the band’s first new studio album since 2003) could be described as a trip through a relationship or life that starts great, then goes sour, and what remains after it is all over. The album kicks off with three tracks (“Under the Western Stars,” “Now,” and “Shine”) that are a bit of a departure from what some might expect based on the band’s radio friendly songs of the past. However, Alexakis and company deliver on the fourth track “Hater” (and the video that has brought the band some controversy thanks to the "Hater Jesus" character) with a beat and lyrics that are reminiscent of some of Everclear’s classic songs. Alexakis has stated his goal with “Hater” was to pen the “ultimate break up song,” and I think he succeeds. The singer holds no punches in describing why this relationship has fallen apart, and even points out that the “sex was never that good anyway.”Although the album’s themes do get a bit repetitive towards the end, there are some tracks (such as “Hater” and the quasi-ballad “Glorious”) that will help fans look past any faults on ‘Welcome to the Drama Club.’ Fans of the band will want to check out this album, and those more familiar with Everclear’s radio singles will find enough here to justify taking a chance on it. I would recommend the album. It has some good songs, fast guitar, and features the band’s distinctive sound and lyrics.‘Welcome to the Drama Club’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the music database for more information and a complete track listing.

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Album Review: Everclear – ‘Welcome to the Drama Club’

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