Labels: Heart of a Champion
Review by: Andy Malcolm
I’ve been on the look out for random indie rock stuff lately that may or may not be palatable, and one of those hit
and miss purchases was this CD by Minneapolis’ the Evening Rig. They have some vague pedigree, featuring folks from
bands that I was aware of but never really into (Cadillac Blindside, the Crush), and this 10 track album manages to
squeeze out a fair few decent tracks without ever consistently making a strong impression. The band strikes me as
being very much one of those “local bands”, popular with their hometown, catching the subconscious of their friends
and people that can relate to them, but not quite sporting the requisite abilities to connect on a high level with
those further afield. The opening track “Playing House” is a perfect example, eminently catchy, driving indie rock
with a smart Americana / Springsteen type hook to it. In a modern day, underground climate I guess that means I am
sort of drawn to comparing them to Lucero but this isn’t as cheesy as Lucero for me. From that first track they move
onto the even more countryish “City Lights” and I’m reaching for the whiskey coke. I really enjoy the vocals, strong
and with a characterful edge that carries things nicely. This is the nature of the beast for the duration of the
album. Distinctly American, no nonsense, straight forward, melodic indie rock with a twist of country. You probably
already know your tolerance for such a genre, mine is pretty reasonable, especially given the already mentioned
beverage. Yeah, this is not bad at all, so long as I am in the mood and am plied with booze. Thank you very much.