reax music magazine :: music + culture » Reviews » Evangelicals - The Evening Descends

It seems as though the entirety of The Evening Descends is a tribute to tawdry Halloween television specials while at the same time conveying a deep musical influence by artists such as Broken Social Scene, Arcade Fire, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. “Skeleton Man” is an echo-painted pop tune with a strong pulse, while “Stoned Again” unsurprisingly delves into the psychedelic elements of Evangelical’s sound. “Bellawood” is the most obvious recipient of the horror-kitsch present on The Evening Descends, including the spooky sounds of a Theremin, but that doesn’t detract from the solidity of the song. “Paperback Suicide” offers the most accessible tune on the record, highlighting a twinkling guitar solo that interrupts mid-stream, shifting the momentum into an equally starry downturn. The Evening Descends is a creative romp into strange, yet oddly familiar territory, while serving as an artistic cocoon for the promising sound of Evangelicals. – Christian Crider