EVERCLEAR's lead singer and leading light Art Alexakis has a strange gift.

Many of his songs have an underlying anger, seemingly fuelled by the less than ideal childhood he had, yet he is able to impart that feeling while almost appearing happy at the same time.

There's melody on top of the rock and just that smile, at least in the eyes if not the mouth, emanating from Alexakis to sugarcoat but not completely disguise the lyrics.

The Portland, Oregon, band played to a three-quarters full upstairs room at Oxford's O2 Academy on Wednesday and were largely very much on form.

It was towards the tail end of what Alexakis, the only surviving original member, said was the band's first tour of the UK in 16 years and there was certainly a significant chunk of obviously longtime fans who have been waiting to see them.

Everclear really hit consciousness around 1997 and were reasonably successful through to about 2003 with their brand of what was largely rock/early Nu Punk (effectively skater rock) but with definite Grunge undertones given they formed in 1992.

The show was essentially one of old hits, with only one song, Be Careful What You Ask For, from their new album played during the encore.

They opened with a rocky version of So Much For The Afterglow and continued in much the same vein.

Personal highlights was Volvo Driving Soccer Mom and an outstanding quick version of AM Radio. However, their rendition of their biggest hit, Wonderful, was disappointingly a little staid.

Lead guitarist Dave French and enthusiastic bassist Freddy Herrara were good value but this is Alexakis' band and that strong-eyed anger but with that combination of singing it with a smile dominated.

Everclear were worth the wait of 16 years but hopefully they won't take that long until the next time they swing by.

  • An intesting footnote is that Alexakis' daughter is at one of the colleges but, he admitted, she chose a Spring break in Florence over her old man's gig in the city.

Wonderful

 

Volvo Driving Soccer Mom