Cavalcade "Evergreens" album review by Alicks Wargood

 -Introduction :

We here at Dosed have the absolute pleasure of doing our first album review for an in-house favorite band. In June (2024) we had the privilege of hosting them at our very own DIY venue "The Pearl Necklace" in Morenci, MI. You may recognize some of these fellas from both legendary Michigan native bands "The Cartridge Family" and, of course, "Genocya". I personally have been following every one of these guys' careers since I was introduced to them by the one and only Heath Latour somewhere around 2006 after my departure from Razorkasket where Heath had taken over my duty as guitar player. He brought an array of out-of-town bands to the area thus solidifying that chapter in Lenawee County local music as the absolute golden age of Lenawee local music. I will be interweaving my perceptions of song meanings as well here and there. They may be way off or spot on. I suppose finding meaning and inspiration in music is always subjective but I hope I come close to what the band is trying to say. If not maybe you (the reader) feel it how I do!

Since then both The Cartrige Family and Genocya have subsided on their own and evolved into a musical hybrid supergroup now known as "Cavalcade". A very unique, and tantalizing version of blues, metal, and progressive rock. When Brad reached out to me for a review on their latest double album " Evergreens" I could not wait to get started. Being that the album is 17 tracks long I will do my best to be brief yet thorough.

- Disc 1 review :

   Disc 1 opens with their hand-chosen single "Demon's For The Truth". A haunting yet melodic song with a perfectly orchestrated string oriented intro that quickly works its way into an agressive and chill inducing energy. The beauty of anger is very well displayed for (what I percieve as) the acknowledgement of deciet and dishonesty in a person you once held faith in.

   It seamlessly works its own way into the next track "Distilled Desire" a song that takes a left turn away from "Demon's For The Truth" yet still stands solid on Cavalcade's well established ground as melodic, powerful, and emotional. My personal takeaway meaning is that it takes notice of someone's inability to control their alcoholism which could very easily been set by design to drive the meaning of "Demon's For The Truth" home... maybe it's written about the same person?

   "Let It Go" jumps right in with a very punk inspired guitar riff weaved with a progressive sound that gives me 90s vibes, possibly influenced by the bands of the time such at Stone Temple Pilots and  Nirvana. It seems to be about being able to pick yourself up and fend for yourself even while (metaphorically) bleeding out. Which is a sentiment that I, personally, can truly appreciate and relate to. Sometimes "letting it go" is a necessary self destructive decision that strengthens us after the scabs heal.

   "The Savage Moon" opens with one of the prettiest riffs of the album (in my humble opinion) with a chorus that could very easily be mistaken as a death metal riff if not for the melodically driven yells chanting about moving forward on your own power even with a savage moon illuminating the way. The abrupt stop at the end of the song is a wonderful touch as well.

   "Seems Like A Nightmare" opens with a grainy/squelchy guitar intro that quickly breaks into a primal scream and a death metal inspired riff that is sure to make you smile and nod your head to the beat... but don't be fooled this is a progressive band... the next segment breaks into a stompy punk inspired riff that reflects that fact very well. The drum work by Christian is top tier and shows off the trained talent that is applied in this band. Once again, however, get ready for them to pull it all back together for yet ANOTHER headbanger of a riff. Though it's not the best comparison I sense a hint of an almost Cradle Of Filth vibe in parts of this song. It's no surprise why this is possibly my personal favorite composition on disc 1 of "Evergreens". It shows off all of Cavalcade's elements in one jaw dropping composition. The chaotic and nightmarish outro sets the theoretical stage for...

   ...feedback grabs the room and kicks into "Dive Stage", a moshpit provoking introduction that (of course) moves itself into a short yet very melodic and progressive segment, then back again. I think this song is about picking yourself up again and again even while theoretical foundations crack around you.

   The albums title track "Evergreens" is a whole different vibe from Cavalcade. It is a very dark sounding song that seems to be about the cold embrace of someone or something that though you know isn't good for you is somehow good. The arms around you feel safe but the needles dropping are the little pieces of toxicity that can go unnoticed... maybe even on purpose to enjoy the embrace a little better. This is another personal favorite on the album and if you only listen to one song on this disc may it be this one. Cale and Brad drop a little magic towards the end and I dont think that I could possibly enjoy it more than I already do.

   Whoo! "Smile Like A Ghost" hits it heavy with a stompy intro and seamlessly moves to a quite experimental sound (even for Cavalcade). This song has some of my favorite work from bass player Craig Horky on disc 1. The undertone perfectly lays a bed for the heavy guitar work that makes this song so great. The drop out in the middle is (undoubtedly) also composed by him and Sean and takes a nice break away from the powerful drive of this track all the way to the end.

   "Cowboys From Hell, MI" picks up where "Smile Like A Ghost" leaves off and takes us into the end of Disc 1 with an experimental electronic outro leaving you anticipating the disc change to continue your journey through the wild minds of "Cavalcade".


Disc 2 review

   Opening up disc 2 is a song called "Muse" it kicks in the door with a chuggy riff undertoned by what can only be described as (slipknot conied) orchestrated madness. The fluctuation between both guitars and the bass seems as if it shouldn't work but somehow through Cavalcade magic it does... and splendidly. To me this is Sean's peak performance on the album. It's a perfect blend of his gritty screams and his very own personalized version of guttural work. "Muse" is not only my personal favorite on disc 2 but the entire album.

   "Analog Animals" opens up with a GRIMEY bass riff accompanied by feedback before jumping straight into this disc's first punk inspired drive. With Christians drum work at the wheel the rest of the guys act as the vehicle for this high energy track. With (surprisingly) no experimental drop outs this track is simply a shredder. Rock & roll through and through.

   "Aquired Tastes" is bound to be a Black Sabbath fans favorite track. The intro is possibly an accidental tip of the hat to them... but a tip none the less. Again, Sean puts his guttural work to use and blows the damn phone of the mic, with a gripping delivery and VERY agressive lyrics. The light undertones of keyboard and theramin give this song a sense of uniqueness that invokes the same feeling a good dream can.

   The next song "Skin Coffin" takes us right back to the Cavalcade we all know and love. Very dark, very experimental, and very well put together. As always Christian shows us just exactly what his experience on the drums has to offer but this time with a little bit of a different delivery. Its like someone gave him the pen and said  "draw a picture that we can color". Anyone into some technical (percussion) or highly experimental rock/metal would find a true appreciation for this composition specifically.

   "By My Side" starts off like a horror movie. Back to Cavalcades coined nightmarish sound that seemingly sounds like it's bouncing off of rocky cave walls. I think this song is moeso meant to be a segway into the next track. But it's one we here at Dosed can definitely get behind.

   Are you ready for a sound you didn't expect from the almighty "Cavalcade"? Well then "Toll Bridge" is a great spot to relax, have a break, and take a proverbial piss. I think this is about as close to an actual ballad as Cavalcade gets. The raw pain and emotion portrayed is undeniabley deep. With (even) an acoustic guitar solo we think you'll agree that this song shows that Cavalcade has a soft underbelly that needs a scratching every so often. I would love to see it more often, personally.

   "Snowmeiser" gives Craig Horky another chance to kick the track off. It's a silly delight to know that Cavalcade has a... Christmas song? Don't be fooled, though. Sean clearly screams his distaste for the season. With a satirical stab at making a Christmas song paired with a well produced yet almost vintage sound it's sure to become your yearly gift unwrapping song.

   The final and closing track on "Evergreens" is a powerful and motivating song named "The Ballad of Evelyn Akers". Opening with a HUGE yet minimalist intro and promptly moving into the well known experimental sound of Cavalcade like a comfy old pair of shoes. It keeps a light touch for the most part. A real "less is more" sort of design that fills the space and keeps you gripped. Each member has their moment to shine on this track and is more of an epic saga than a mere song on the album. One thing you can count on with these guys is that even with a song that is 9 minutes long they can make it seem too short and leave you waiting more.

My worthless opinion -

   This album (along with all of their others) will always hold a spot in my rotation. Admittedly Cavalcade isn't "for everyone" but I refuse to let anyone get away with not giving them a chance. I've had the huge privilege of sharing the stage with them as well as Genocya and The Cartridge Family in the past and if you think their music is good just wait til you see how down to earth and relatable they are as people. All of them bring excellent energy on and off of the stage. Go see them live and show them some support on their social media pages. If you're a vinyl fan this "Evergreens" is available in that format or you can find it and others on all streaming platforms.

-Alicks Wargood*

                        *Cavalcade is*

Sean Peters - vocals, production, & keyboards
Craig Horky - bass guitar, other instrumentation
Cale Sauter - guitar
Brad Van Stavere - guitar
Christian Urrabazo - drums

Based in - Lansing, MI

Music, and merch:
https://cavalcade.bandcamp.com/

Booking contact: vanstaverenbrad@gmail.com