Project Description
SIAN EVANS
“the definition of…”
(Single Review)
Reviewer: Vicky Hebbs
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“It explores how we become and identify ourselves to our name, and how we embody time and space as this identity, evolving, ever-changing, forever shifting”. – Sian Evans
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Sian Evans is a multi-skilled instrumentalist and vocalist who has been making moves in the Brisbane music scene for over a decade. Sian has achieved a lot since then as a musician, releasing singles and albums, and gaining recognition as a finalist in the Queensland Music Awards in 2016 for “Cold Feet”, and again in 2018 for “Thorns” and also for “Womble East”. She has performed in the flood-folk and new grass trio “The Rusty Datsuns” and also the spectacular goth-country, blues and roots project “The Long Johns” along with Paul Watson (from Dubmarine), Skritch (Mary Trembles, Tex Perkins), and Steve Buchanan (BULLHORN).
‘the definition of…’ is a re-release of the title track from her debut LP which was originally self-released back in 2010. The guitar at the beginning introduces the backbeat that is constant throughout. As the other instruments come in and are layered on top, the song begins to develop a big band feel and the backbeat with the double bass and tuba for some reason makes me think of an old style circus or something similarly quirky yet dreamy. It is that feeling of being enchanted and pulled into the world of the song which feels familiar. This song is endlessly alluring, its lyrics and smooth instrumentals pulling you ever deeper into the rhythm.
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For those who love hearing a singer’s real accent in a song, and not just the globalised American one prevalent in popular music, Sian’s Australian accent injects her personality into this song. I think that adds something truly special to the song, in the vein of music artists such as Missy Higgins and Frank Turner. She is incredibly talented, playing a number of instruments on top of her stunning vocal ability. On this single she plays flute, clarinet, and guitar. Sian is accompanied by the Byron String Quartet, who craft a beautiful harmony that complements Sian’s vocals. The quartet seems to tell their own story layered on Sian’s vocals and the other instruments; the string sounds brim with romance and classical charm that adds a lovely depth to the song.
I really love one small section around the halfway mark where she speaks the lyrics, because they sound slightly detached as if she’s speaking them into an echoey room and it lends a slightly eery quality. And who knew lyrics about mere names could be philosophical! The lyrics are beautifully written and never repetitive. Sian weaves a story that she draws out through the song, essentially just spelling out her name but her lyrics make you feel more like you’ve gone on a journey uncovering the essence of identity and human nature by the end.
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“We’re all changing now, forever shifting, shifting around.”
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I am a sucker for a flute, and Sian’s flute playing adds a really nice lilting gentleness to the background of the song, contrasting the bass of the tuba. The drama intensifies as more instruments layer on top of the beat. This is a song which incorporates so many elements, mixing jazz and folk music, with the brass section adding bass and the double bass especially developing that full orchestral sound. I really enjoyed the short Latin bridge that broke up the song a little to keep it interesting.
I also really love the slight lo-fi fuzz audible on the recording, which makes it feel much more like a full band is sitting there in the room playing just for you. I’d recommend you try listening with headphones to hear exactly what I mean. This song conjures images of late nights in dimly lit jazz clubs or even a speakeasy feel.
This song is folksy, a little quirky, creative and uplifting with intriguing lyrics and very rich instrumentals. If a folk track that’s full of energy and is lyrically rich sounds like something you’d enjoy, definitely go listen to Sian’s single! And once you’ve heard the timeless single, Sian’s never-before-seen music video for the single is scheduled for release May 22.
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SIAN EVANS – ‘THE DEFINITION OF’
Online film clip Launch
May 22
Event link here
Vimeo link here
Youtube link here
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Connect with SIAN EVANS
Facebook Instagram Bandcamp
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“the definition of…”
Listen on soundcloud now!
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It’s been 12 years since the now multi-award nominated finalist moved from regional Far North Queensland to the bigger smoke of Brisbane, armed with a costume and instrument trove, her then toddler son and a pyxis of songs she’d penned between the ages of 18 and 22. Her musical journeys continue to traverse the continent, performing some of the country’s premiere festivals across multiple acts. With an impressive back catalogue of supports comprising CW Stoneking, Tim Rogers, Ash Grunwald, Toni Childs to name a few, the singer-songwriter has worked on and off stage or in studio alongside some of Australia’s finest with the likes of Tyrone Noonan (George), Paulie Bromley (The Beautiful Girls) & Bill Chambers & many more.
It was in 2010 that Sian made her presence in Brisbane’s music scene felt. Her self-released debut album ‘the definition of’, under the moniker “Bessy-Lou” claimed two finalist nominations and a highly commended award at the 2010 Queensland Music Awards. Other creative endeavours post Bessy-Lou have included flood-folk & newgrass trio “The Rusty Datsuns”, to current project fronting goth-country, blues & roots banger outfit “The Long Johns” with fellow West End veterans Paul Watson (Dubmarine), Skritch (Mary Trembles, Tex Perkins) & Steve Buchanan (BULLHORN).
The re-release marks a decade of songwriting, performing and touring in tandem with sole parenting in a capital city with no next of kin; possibly one of the most sanity thwarting and unhinged yet soul fulfilling and brave roads to travel.
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Sian’s music video for ‘the definition of’
– never released before now!
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