Teaser EPs that come before full lengths are obviously meant to entice the listener to pick up the LP when it finally hits the streets. Sometimes the idea works, sometimes not. Scream Hello’s Smart & Stupid EP definitely worked. The EP perfectly encompassed the nuances and eclecticism of the band. Simply put it showed all Scream Hello was doing right. Unfortunately, while Smart & Stupid did its job, the LP follow up, Everything Is Always Still Happening, falls a bit short of the high expectations raised by the proceeding EP.
The LP starts off promisingly with the rocking and expressive “35 Plums” and “You Have Good Taste”. The six-minute “The Kicker” twist and turns but never really finds its way through all the tempo changes. “Bullets” is raging but always makes me do a double take when it comes on. The song sticks out like a sore thumb on Everything Is Always Still Happening. “Cocoon” and “Golden Anniversary” follow the band’s endearing formula with telling lyrics and an undeniable charm. Unfortunately, the band doesn’t ever touch on the simple brilliance of “rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” from the Smart & Stupid EP. But they make up for it on the album’s last three songs. The seven minute plus “We Don’t Exist” pretty much nails the band’s evolving sound with the addition of some metal riffs for good measure. “Vinegar & Baking Soda” makes an encore return from the Smart & Stupid EP and is certainly a welcome addition. The album ends with the six minute “20/21″ and I love the lyrics. We all want an adventure with meaning/So go and get it, if you want it/It’s there. Everything Is Always Still Happening is certainly an adventurous listen.
Scream Hello’s Smart & Stupid EP showcased a band truly on the brink of something special. The uneven Everything Is Always Still Happening proves the band may not be quite there just yet. But, that’s OK. There is certainly enough ambition here to to get excited about the band’s future. Frankly, I have no idea what Scream Hello’s next release will sound like. And that might be the most exciting conclusion of all.
Full Disclosure: This band’s press is handled by Beartrap PR. I work with Beartrap PR but I do not represent this band. These are my honest opinions. No shit, I swear!
Genre: Indie/Pop/Rock
RIYL: Hey Mercedes, Piebald, Braid
Label: Red Leader Records
35 Plums
Cocoon
on Jan 14th, 2009 at 9:31 am
I thought the EP was better as well.
on Jan 15th, 2009 at 8:44 am
agreed.
on Jan 15th, 2009 at 10:41 am
wow, we all agree on something.
on Jan 15th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
i agree.