Spotlight: Sam Evian Dives into the Heart of Rock with "Plunge"
WITH A RHYTHMIC DRUM STEADYING INTO A CALMING BASE — Sam Evian plunges into an inescapable but captivating cradle rock tethering the edge of folk. The American songwriter, instrumentalist and producer dreams to blend the simple acoustic folk sound with the rebellious rhythm and energy of rock and just a graze of old school jazz. Plunge doesn’t just charm you, but lures you into a smoky presence, one that smells like pine woods, campfires and a lingering hint of tradition.
The first release on his own imprint, Flying Cloud Recordings, Plunge was recorded live on vintage tape with an air of serene nostalgia laced with a bittersweet longing. Embarking on his highly anticipated fourth LP, Sam Evian joins forces with Thirty Tigers to craft a truly extraordinary musical experience. Despite his background in the vibrant bustle of Brooklyn, Evian produced Plunger in the rustic and tranquil charm of Catskills, NY. Evian and his partner settled in a barn on the glorious mountains of Catskills and created an immersive recording experience at his studio, Flying Cloud Studios. And on the night before Evian started recording Plunge, he invited his closest friends and collaborators (including Liam Kazar, Sean Mullins, El Kempner of Palehound and Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief) for a final curtain call. Adrianne Lenker brought a jug of maple syrup from Vermont, Sufjan Stevens set off fireworks in the meadow, and at midnight, the group of friends cold-plunged into a nearby creek as it started snowing.
The night and, in tandem, Plunge, became a tapestry woven with the threads of change, friendship, love and the cyclical passage of time.
“No one knew the songs or what the plan was,” Evian says, describing the experience recording the LP in his personal enclave. “We kept it loose and fun. This was the spirit of the sessions. No headphones, no playback, minimal overdubs or bleed. Fast and loose.”
Taking listeners back in time to the fuzzy band t-shirts and carefree experimentation of the early 70s, “Wild Days” ties listeners into lush harmonies with pulsing piano chores to set the tone for the album — a mesh of paradoxically mystifying themes of bittersweet resignation and overwhelming acceptance. Told in the perspective of Evian’s mother, the track immerses listeners in a nostalgic journey through the past, capturing the essence of a bygone era with heartfelt storytelling and melodic intricacy. The self-described “wild days” are ones we will never experience ourselves, ones that Evian may have never experienced either. Yet, the hazy memory lives on through the achingly familiar melodies that evoke a disillusioned moment where the echoes of the past mingle closely in the present.
“Jacket” keeps the mystery of Plunge under wraps, with an idle memory of someone who was not quite there but was somehow there the whole time. The theme of transformation, best represented in Plunge as cyclical, becomes a recurring motif within the narrative.
“I was exploring the idea of the difference between coming and going, the idea of leaving so you can come back,” Evian says. Though the music plays on, the time keeps rolling, and the memory has begun to twist and fade.
“Jacket” becomes a seldom reminder of what hasn’t changed, illustrating the comfy, cozy warmth of a borrowed jacket from a loved one. The lyrical motif emphasizes the notion that 'wherever you go, there you are,' highlighting the emphasis placed on self-awareness and the importance of embracing your present circumstances, despite it all.
And on that same cyclical path of getting older and life getting more complicated, “Rollin’ In” dives listeners into a more evocative scene, evoking vivid images of a beachside during the cold winter months. Through Evian’s repetitive lyrics, ‘and the waves come, rollin’ in, rollin’ in, rollin’ in,’ there’s an intriguing ambiguity to the story he tells, one that paints a canvas of emotions and sensations that could only be truly felt in tangent with Evian’s production. “Rollin’ In” delves deeper into the jazz-infused essence of Plunge, delivering a mesmerizing saxophone solo by Evian himself, embodying the sounds of the 60s/70s era. This track maintains its retro charm and allure while intertwining with the jazz themes.
“Why Does It Take So Long” takes listeners back to Evian’s roots: a silky blend of indie-rock with dreamy pop undertones. The guitar, played by Adrianne Lenker from Big Thief, does not need to beg to be heard as it seamlessly commands the attention of its audience without much strain. It is paired with the wailing chorus of background vocals to commemorate this era of camaraderie and defiance.
When creating Plunge, Evian says, “I spend so much time trying to make perfect recordings for everyone else, so it was a slight act of resistance to make something wild and kind of fucked up for myself.”
Drawing sonic parallels to Arctic Monkeys and The Vaccines, “Freakz” provides a spiraling soundscape with repetitive rhythms and endless thrills. Evian’s performance pays homage to his previous work with its sonically sharp and incisive delivery. “Freakz” remains endlessly engaging with its repetitive production, while the witty lyrics add a playful yet biting edge that perfectly aligns with the album's cyclical concept, locking in the guarantee for an unforgettable listening experience. Evian closes the track with an unspoken cry (‘You’re always…’) leaving much to imagine as the song concludes with its dizzying cyclical beats that underpin the song's energetic arrangement.
Even amidst the sense of liberation, Evian approached the sessions with a clear lyrical vision, saying, “I was afraid at first, but just as a plunge starts with fear and settles into some kind of internal warmth, my writing followed.”
The result is “Wind Blows”: A powerful rock anthem that captivates listeners with its driving rhythm, haunting melodies and impassioned vocals. Evoking the timeless essence of Fleetwood Mac's “The Chain,” “Wind Blows” transports listeners on a journey of raw energy and tragic beauty. Much like its namesake, “Wind Blows” captures the essence of emotional turmoil and resilience, weaving together elements of power pop, iridescent guitar and raucous psychedelia.
Still packing a lot of heat, “Another Way” exudes a raw energy that harkens back to the golden era of late 60s/early 70s rock, with its gritty guitar-driven sound and heart aching lyrics. It feels like embarking on a road trip out west during a sweltering summer day, where the open road stretches out before you, promising adventure and freedom. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of longing and introspection, as the protagonist grapples with the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. Despite the upbeat tempo, there's an underlying sense of yearning for something more, echoed in the refrain 'Why does it go a little fast? I want a life to last. Baby, tell me there’s another way.’
“Runaway” embodies the essence of classic rock with its infectious and mellow rhythm. With its catchy melodies and vibrant energy, it captures the spirit of carefree abandon and living in the moment despite all the odds against it. The lyrics speak to the ongoing theme of resilience in Plunge, as Evian sings about navigating through life's challenges while striving to stay true to themselves. The song's dynamic arrangement builds to a climactic crescendo, culminating in a recording of laughter that adds a playful touch to the end.
Closing out the album, "Stay," draws you in one last time with Evian's raspy voice pleading for you to linger a bit longer. The vintage tape sound prominently shines through in this song, lending it a gravelly texture reminiscent of soft rock. This sonic quality adds a poignant touch to the album's overarching narrative of returning to where you belong, adopting a softer approach while still retaining its rock-infused undertones. It's the perfect way to close the album, leaving listeners with a tranquil and introspective note.
Through Plunge, Evian invites listeners to confront fears, embrace vulnerabilities and celebrate the beauty of imperfection. With its evocative storytelling, Plunge is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and hope that resonates long after the final note has faded. As the final chords of Plunge reverberate into the ether, Sam Evian's musical odyssey comes to a close, leaving behind a trail of introspection and wonder.
Track List - Plunge
Wild Days
Jacket
Rollin’ In
Why Does It Take So Long? *
Freakz
Wind Blows
Another Way **
Runaway
Stay
