CD Review: (Hed) P.E.- "Evolution" (Pavement Entertainment)
If nothing else, you’ve got to hand it to (Hed) P.E.
because these guys are unafraid to try new things. This isn’t the same
mainstream gleaning band that churned out tunes like “Swan Dive,” “Killing
Time” and “Bartender;” well it is but they’ve vastly evolved over the years.
Sure, some of those elements remains (“Let It Rain,” “No Tomorrow”) on Evolution, though those familiar musings
are often balanced by disposable smatterings of noise (“No Turning Back,” “2Many
Games”), which is one of the albums most damning flaws. “Never Alone” is one of
the few instance in which everything seems to click, if even for just a few
minutes. “Nowhere2Go” is full blown reggae, and is perhaps the most comfortable
frontman Jahred sounds on vocals throughout Evolution;
a perfect addition to your warm weather soundtrack, best when listened to at
high volumes whether speeding down the highway with the windows down or
lounging in the pool sipping Mai Tai’s. The very Marley-esque closing tandem of
“Let It Burn” and “Hold On” follow suit with more enjoyable reggae goodness and
breezy vibes, and it’s a wonder why the band tucked these killer tracks near
the backend of the record. Evolution
isn’t without its charm, but it’s just too inconsistent.
Grade: C-
Go Download: “Never Alone”
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