Evan Mix is an experimental pop artist from Indiana, USA who has just come to my attention through the release of his latest album, Glare Cursed.
By Graeme Smith
Feature artwork by Steve Adampoulou
If you’re of a certain age and disposition, you might remember a quirky early ’90s sci-fi TV show called Eerie, Indiana. It seems that the show isn’t the only delightfully weird thing that’s come from that part of the world as we can now add the music of Evan Mix to the list.
Evan is an artist who wears his uniqueness as a badge of honour and his new album Glare Cursed lets you know it straight from the off. The unconventional percussive textures of The Descending of Remains set the scene before vocals come in that combine singing, spoken word and slam poetry characteristics. The lyrics are wonderfully surreal and you’ll find yourself hanging on every word in a hope to interpret them. Just as you’re getting into the groove, it breaks down and the tone of the track changes completely.
The curveballs keep coming across the album’s eight tracks. Where Should I Ask? elevates an everyday story of a relationship in its early stages. Title track Glare Cursed is vibrant, jazzy and upbeat electronica. Daring Without Shame strips things back and delivers an affirming message. I Think About Her Every Day closes things with a long, ponderous number full of improvisation and contemplation.
It’s fair to say that Evan Mix’s music won’t be for everyone, but those who come to it with an open mind will find themselves rewarded. An artist not afraid to eschew the mainstream and do his own thing, we need more Evan Mixes in the world of music, and his new album is simply a joy to listen to.
Glare Cursed was written and composed by Evan Mix, and was mixed and mastered by Alex Reverberi. It features the vocal contributions of Millicent Chimonyo-Ntubi, Anabell Jasni, Josselin Leiros and Valentina Jazz, among others, and the instrumental contributions of Tymon Trbczyski, Ryuki Naito, Rafael Freitas, Brandon Meeks, Bruno Dela Rosa, Lone Feathers, Bankole K, and Sandy Beales.
You can give the album a listen below.
