“Belong” – The Evening Cast

I’ve been closely following The Evening Cast’s career since they released their debut EP Lake in 2013. The Victorian band rarely puts a foot wrong, and that tradition has continued with the release of their first album Belong.

This album has everything I’ve always loved about The Evening Cast. The harmonies are sublime and there’s a gorgeous Australian feel to the songs, with their references to familiar places and effortless feel.

It’s just an album that feels good to listen to, hooking you in from the first notes of the gorgeous opening track “Ride With Me.” I was already familiar with “Gang of Fools,” the lead single, but I think it sounds even better within the context of this album. “Water” is one of my favourite songs on Belong. Its delicate opening, with some of the most vulnerable and relatable lyrics I’ve heard in some time, grabbed me from the get go. I also adore “South Coast,” with its beautiful words that speak to the yearning to escape so many of us feel from time to time. “Clover” is a beautiful way to finish. It’s a track with real heart and soul, and some of the most powerful vocals on the album.

So many bands struggle to make the transition from EPs to full-length album, but there are no evident teething problems here. Every song is so special in its own right. I already loved The Evening Cast, but with the release of this album I think I’ve fallen a little deeper.

Belong is in stores now.

The Evening Cast Releases “Gang of Fools”

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard new material from The Evening Cast, but it’s been well and truly worth the wait. Their new single “Gang of Fools,” reminded me just how much I love this five-piece from Geelong.

It’s got a great groove and some beautiful harmonies. I love the way the Evening Cast never overdoes things. The song is delicate and restrained, and the sort of thing that makes me hungry for more.

That’s coming soon. “Gang of Fools” is the first track lifted from The Evening Cast’s sophomore LP Belong, which will be released on May 11. A national tour will follow in June.

The Evening Cast Do It Again with “Questions”

The Evening Cast are one of those awesome Aussie bands that never quite got the accolades they deserve. They plug away releasing incredible song after incredible song to very little fanfare. It’s a shame, because more people really deserve to hear their latest single “Questions.” Lucky for you, you can do just that here.

It’s got such a strong melodic centre. It all seems to effortless, and before you know it it’s over and you’re ready to play it again.

If you love “Questions” too, make sure you catch The Evening Cast when they tour the single all around the country. They’re playing some lovely intimate venues which are perfect for showcasing their special brand of music.

7 June 2014 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne
9 June 2014 – The Lass, Newcastle
20 June 2014 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
21 June 2014 – Oxford Art Factory – Gallery Bar, Sydney
27 June 2014 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
28 June 2014 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
12 July 2014 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide

“Lake” – The Evening Cast

The Evening Cast might be a fledgling act, but their stellar debut EP Lake proves the Victorian band is a force to be reckoned.

This is a lush recording, with exquisite layered harmonies and rich orchestration. It takes some talent to ensure a big sound doesn’t become a mess of noise, but The Evening Cast are up to the challenge. No doubt they’ve been guided well by the production team of Joe Laporta (Bjork, Foo Fighters) and Marty Brown (Clare Bowditch, Art of Fighting). The skills of these supporting players make this disc seem more polished than most debuts.

I love the poetic lyrics and quirky romantic of the EP opener “Knots and Bows”. The poppy “Surprise” and “Heartbeat” are pure joy. Not that it’s all sweetness and light though. “No Stopping” shows a darker determination with its pounding pianos and earnest vocals. I really felt this one.

At seven tracks, Lake is much longer than most EPs. It feels more like a mini album than an EP. It’s a bit risky for a new act to take on such an ambitious release, but The Evening Cast are up to the challenge. There are no filler tracks here. Lake is an excellent debut that shows the promise of this exciting Aussie act.

The Evening Cast Impress with “Factory”

Victorian indie band The Evening Cast have given us our first taste of their forthcoming EP Lake with the single “Factory.”

It’s a great track anchored by beautiful vocals and a great electric guitar riff. It didn’t immediately captivate me, but I found myself listening to it, then putting it on again and again to catch all its nuances. It doesn’t exactly grab you around the throat but it does hook you in.

The Evening Cast seem to be working with all the right people to ensure they make their mark. The EP was produced by Marty Brown (Clare Bowditch, Art of Fighting) and mastered in New York City by Joe LaPorta (Bjork, Foo Fighters).

They’re also about to play support act for Clare Bowditch and Oh Mercy, so if you have tickets to their Geelong shows make sure you turn up early. The Evening Cast are already gaining a reputation as a solid live act, so their sets shouldn’t disappoint.

Here are the places you can see them in the flesh over the coming months.

20 September 2012 – The Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick
19 October 2012 – Bended Elbow, Geelong (supporting Oh Mercy)
27 October 2012 – Drama Theatre @ GPAC, Geelong (supporting Clare Bowditch