Evolver: “Are We Listening?” single release

Yes, it’s true that most girls fall for teddy bears and flowers and all that crap, but give me some sexy guys playing music on a stage, a new single and a good cover song and I’m sold.

Just to get you out of my little day dream and up to speed – a couple of us made our way to The Rustic Theatre in Lonehill for the release of the new EVOLVER single “Are We Listening?”. New singles mean new albums, so keep an eye out for “Evolution” that is on its way to the shelves. Nice.

A great thing about the whole Evolver team is that they know how to look after their fans. It is clearly apparent by the size of the crowd; the sit around vs. sing along ratio; and the fact that I had to park my car near some ditch in the gravel and not in a cushy parking bay near the door.

The guys opened with their new single putting the crowd straight into party mode. They kept the momentum going with favorites off their “Get Up” and “What’s the Story?” albums, and entertained the crowd with their on stage banter and all around top quality show.

My personal highlights were the cover of The Beatles’ “Revolution” as well as the new song “Say You Will”, (which has officially topped Lily Allen’s “Not Fair” as my 2009-catchiest-song-of-the-year) – Well Done guys!

There were mixed feelings about the 7de Laan Afrikaans rendition of the live act favorite, “Stronger”. It seemed to make an impact though, as the crowd proceeded to sing the English version between each song that followed. This seemed to entertain, but not entirely convince the band to play it, so they should see our attempts as a kind gesture, because giving back is always good – and we hope the band enjoyed it!

So there I was…blown away yet again by this totally underrated band that made for one unforgettable night…and here I thought I had shaken off my groupie status! See you at the next one.

Evolver @ 88 Lounge, Norwood

I really like this venue. The crowd was great and the setting is up market, but relaxed. The staff and barmen are professional and friendly even though their bar didnt have what we wanted to drink. STOCK RED SQUARE! Their outside area is comfortable and surprisingly warm – for the middle of winter – but most importantly, they host some really awesome bands!

On Friday, thanks partly to Jose Cuervo (tequilla saves the day), Evolver were responsible for a little more hearing loss and another grumpy Saturday morning. I love Evolver (how many times can I say this), and they know how to cheer up my day! The crowd seemed to really enjoy them – there was even a girl jumping around barefoot on broken glass – and I thought I was a dedicated groupie.

After the gig, we spent some time chatting to Tulsa (drums) and James (bass) – great to officially meet you guys – good times!

If, for some bazaar reason, you havent managed to catch these guys, they’ll be playing at The Blues Room this Thursday, 28 June. See you there. Really. Be there!

One Sock Thief & Evolver @ Tanz Cafe

Evolver have poped their Tanz Cafe cherry! Hooray!!
They started off a little reluctant, but got into the swing of things pretty quickly as the night rolled on.

Tanz is pretty awkward as you cant really jump up and bop around unless someone else is – and I’m a little too shy to start such a trend, so we sat in our seats, but still enjoyed every minute. I even had a guy almost sit on my shoulder…now how could I have experienced such a bizaar incident if I wasnt sitting in my chair? Sheesh.

James was in the spotlight again. Again. Instead of removing items of clothing in public, he decided to put on the most flamible pair of pants in the history of pants. Pity they didnt live up to their full potential, coz damn they were nasty!!

Tulsa really fits into the Evolver family well, and whether or not it’s true, he genuinly seems to be having an awesome time. Good stuff!

One Sock Thief were very Beck-like and were okay to watch. The singer even looks like Beck. I wouldnt go out to watch just them, but they are not to bad as an opening act.