Project Description
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BOB EVANS
‘TOMORROWLAND’
(Album Review)
(22nd April, 2021)
Reviewer – Amy Smith
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Photographer credit: Tajette O’Halloran
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After being around in the Australian music industry for nearly 30 years, working across multiple projects, you can safely say that Kevin Mitchell is one of Australia’s most respected musicians. He is at a point in his career where he does not have to release studio albums for the sake of it, but when he feels that he has something to say, and this is exactly what he has done with Tomorrowland. Bob Evans (Mitchell’s solo project alter ego) is ready to make his return after a five year gap between studio albums. Fifth studio album Tomorrowland is his first offering since parting ways with his previous label, EMI Music.
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Evans is known for his personal and honest lyrics, and this is still apparent on album number five. The album’s title Tomorrowland aptly encompasses the albums general lyrical themes which seem to centre around the concept of ‘time’. End of The Day reflects on continuing to move forward despite uncertain futures, Born Yesterday bathes in past nostalgia and straight up love song Always You combines past, present and future. This album offers a very uplifting quality and general feeling of positivity. It is acknowledged that things are not always rosy, but choose to focus on the positive aspects of life, even in the face of adversity.
Sonically the album feels familiar, but somewhat different. It still has a very folky feel but a bit grittier. This is probably mostly due to the use of electric guitar, which Bob admits himself is the most that he’s ever used on a record!
Bob manages to sonically portray a variety of atmospheres on this album. I Don’t Wanna Do Anything Without You has a very country feel, complete with a harmonica solo. Excuses also features a harmonica solo but has more of a ’50’s’ bop to it. I’ll Get Over You Somehow has a sense of urgency to it, with a driving synth line, while songs like Luxury Car and End Of The Day have an expansive, dream-like feel to them. Ballad Always You, with a stripped back, acoustic guitar feel, contrasts with the upbeat, poppier songs like Concrete Heart and Bad Mood. There is even a nod to his Jebediah days with 90’s rock sounding Falling!
In amongst representing these various moods, Evans has not lost his knack for writing catchy hooks which you can yell back at him at the top of your lungs at live shows (or alone in your living room while listening to the album!). The hooks are there but with added grit.
There is a lot to appreciate and get your ears around on this album. It is difficult to stay creative when you have been in the industry as long as Bob Evans has. But Tomorrowland proves that he has managed to change it up and stay fresh. A worthy addition to your collection.
Tomorrowland is out now via Dew Process.
Tickets to the Tomorrowland tour are on sale now from HERE.
Bob Evans is Kevin Mitchell.
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NATIONAL TOMORROWLAND TOUR
THU 03 JUN | KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL, KINGSCLIFF NSW (18+)
Tickets available from www.
FRI 04 JUN | BLACK BEAR LODGE, BRISBANE QLD (18+)
Tickets available from www.
SAT 05 JUN | VILLA NOOSA, NOOSAVILLE QLD (18+)
Tickets available from www.
FRI 11 JUN | GRACE EMILY HOTEL, ADELAIDE SA (18+)
Tickets available from www.
SAT 12 JUN | THE ROSEMOUNT HOTEL, PERTH WA (18+)
Tickets available from www.
SUN 13 JUN | THE RIVER, MARGARET RIVER WA (18+)
Tickets available from www.
WED 16 JUN| HERITAGE HOTEL, BULLI NSW (18+)
Tickets available from www.
THU 17 JUN | LIZOTTE’S, NEWCASTLE NSW (18+)
Tickets available from www.
FRI 18 JUN | CAMELOT LOUNGE, SYDNEY NSW (18+)
Tickets available from www.
SAT 19 JUN | FROST & FIRE FESTIVAL, FORBES NSW (All Ages)
Tickets available from www.
SUN 20 JUN | THE BRASS MONKEY, CRONULLA NSW (18+)
Tickets available from www.
THU 24 JUN | SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE VIC (18+)
Tickets available from www.
FRI 25 JUN | BRIDGE HOTEL, CASTLEMAINE VIC (18+)
Tickets available from www.
SAT 26 JUN | NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB, NORTHCOTE VIC (18+)
Tickets available from www.
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