Stephen EvEns’ ‘A Tree’ – A Wild Ride Through Batshit Crazy Brilliance
London-based Stephen EvEns‘s latest song, ‘A Tree,’ is like a shot of adrenaline—a wild ride through the kind of batshit crazy brilliance that personally drew me to acts like Cardiacs and They Might Be Giants. I could easily sum up my review with just those three words, ‘batshit crazy brilliance,’ but the track deserves more than a mere three words.
I’ve always had a soft spot for songs that veer off the beaten path, the ones that stick with you even when the radio-friendly tunes fade away. ‘Rock Me Amadeus’ (Falco), ‘Tarred and Feathered’ (Cardiacs), ‘Birdhouse In Your Soul’ (They Might Be Giants)—they all have a peculiar charm that I can’t resist, and I’m not sure why.
But, ‘A Tree’ feels like a mad scientist’s concoction of all those elements. The pounding beats, the quirky vocals, the catchy hooks—it’s a mishmash that echoes the spirit of Cardiacs but with the pop sensibilities of They Might Be Giants. There’s a certain staccato intensity that Cardiacs fans will appreciate, coupled with catchy vocals that hit that sweet spot between eccentricity and allure, not unlike Falco’s and They Might Be Giants. The lyrics, as meticulously metered as an extra percussive instrument, also add a layer to the mix not normally associated with vocals.
The track itself is a celebration, a joyous romp through… in fact, Stephen describes it best…
The track might sound to some like a psychedelic misadventure in the park, but it’s actually a celebration of the joy that is walking your dog through the trees and leaves and grasses of the countryside. A psychedelic misadventure all of its own.
Stephen EvEns
The song is a perfect escape from the humdrum of everyday life—even if only for 3 minutes.
As a new fan, I’m thrilled that ‘A Tree’ is part of Stephen EvEns’ upcoming album, ‘Here Come the Lights.’ Self-produced at Brixton Hill Studios and mastered at Abbey Road, I can’t wait to hear more!
This isn’t just a song; it’s a personal journey through nature, a celebration, and a testament to the power of unconventional music. With contributions from talented musicians like Debbie Smith (Bass), Jimi Scandal (Guitar), Crompton Wespp (Drums), and Josh Perl (Piano, Casiotone, and Jen String Machine), ‘A Tree’ is more than a track; it’s a passionate statement from an artist unafraid to venture into the wild and bring back something truly extraordinary.
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