Ever Stays Red - I'll Tell the World
Label: Wrinkle Free Records
Style: Alternative, Rock
Released: 2004
My Grade: 3 stars
AMG: n/a
Sounds like: Jonah33, Chevelle, Thousand Foot Crutch


Among all the albums in my collection, this is the one that has the unfortunate label of “The Album That Could Have Been.” Ever Stays Red, hailing from Arizona, caught my attention when they were picked to tour with Sanctus Real last fall. When the tour came to my town, I attended, but was late and missed their set. So I decided to buy the album without ever having heard a song, or seen the band live.

What I heard was both pleasing and repulsive. On the one hand, the vocalist does this band so much injustice that it is not even funny. Yes, he can hold a steady note, which allows for a little respect. But during the verses he sounds like he’s being tortured, his voice wanders so much. It’s just plain bad.

It’s really a shame, because musically the band has it all there. The guitars demonstrate that quiet sense of urgency that all good rock acts must have. The first 4 songs especially (“Anthem,” “Blue,” “I’ll Tell the World,” “Glorious”) show lots of potential talent that the band could bloom into. The closer, “Save Today” is one of the best rock ballads I think I have ever heard. Despite said lack of vocal talent, the song gleams bright.

Another small complaint I must mention is that there is an extra, completely unnecessary 7-10 seconds of random musical sounds at the end of some songs.

A humorous twist is thrown in on “80’s Tune” when at the end, someone quotes “Back to the Future” by saying “I... I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet. But your kids are gonna love it”.

I don’t know if I’d say that we’re not ready for the band Ever Stays Red, but I don’t think Ever Stays Red is ready for us yet. They offer a slightly above average debut, with lots of room for growth.

Reviewed by: Christian