The Evens
by The Evens
  • Record Label: Dischord
  • Release Date: Mar 15, 2005
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    90
    While the Evens' sparse arrangements may lead the guitar-playing world to finally give drummers their due, an album that is too minimal runs the risk of being absorbed in too few listens, never to be returned to again. Of course, The Evens avoid that trap by going straight to the most obvious musical cliché, "excellent songwriting."
  2. Lost At Sea
    90
    Farina and MacKaye have created a delicate and beautiful masterpiece that transcends their punk and post-punk routes.
  3. Stylus Magazine
    83
    The Evens’ self-titled debut does sound curiously like hardcoreless moments of The Argument polished and lengthened into full-fledged songs.
  5. AllMusic
    80
    The Evens not just a step forward in the creative careers of MacKaye and Farina, it's a major leap.
  6. Billboard
    80
    This is by far the moodiest, mellowest stuff MacKaye has ever been involved with.
  7. Pitchfork
    80
    The Evens positively brims with revelations, not least of which is the consistent effectiveness of MacKaye's singing voice.
  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    A union of intelligence and passion. [26 Mar 2005, p.51]
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  9. Splendid
    80
    It is unsettling, starkly beautiful, intricate and minimalist all at once, and if it lacks the immediate impact of Fugazi, its aura lingers long after it's over.
  10. Magnet
    80
    Nothing ever explodes on The Evens, which eschews Fugazi-style noise in favor of subtle dynamics and unsettling clarity. [#68, p.92]
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  11. cokemachineglow
    76
    Pros: Farina is an excellent drummer and singer, and MacKaye hasn’t lost any of his righteous anger. Cons: with only two people you just can’t be viciously loud.
  12. Spin
    75
    MacKaye and Farina share a wobbly spirit that wears well. [May 2005, p.110]
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  13. The A.V. Club
    70
    The two utilitarian voices mesh nicely, resulting in songs that are folk-like in their simplicity and directness, but never in their sound.
  14. Q Magazine
    70
    It doesn't always work. But overall, The Evens is an engaging debut. [May 2005, p.121]
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  15. Neumu.net
    70
    They play slow, but it's slow in the way that Low once did, a sort of punk-rock rebellion against speed and belligerence.
  16. Prefix Magazine
    70
    Their chemistry undeniable, this debut could serve as a watershed for both members’ future creative outputs.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. DevonP
    Jun 18, 2006
    9
    I find this album to be relaxing and a solide piece of work. I would of giving this a 10 if the sound wasn't so empty. For certain I find this album to be relaxing and a solide piece of work. I would of giving this a 10 if the sound wasn't so empty. For certain tracks, I feel like there just a riff someone made up on the spot. Also..... where's the bass?… Full Review »
  2. BettoM
    Jul 18, 2005
    10
    The Evens stands as an impressive debut and an interesting move forward for Ian Mackaye. Farina is an excellent drummer and singer, and MacKaye hasn
  3. BradE
    Apr 20, 2005
    10
    This record is vastly different than everything that Ian and Amy have done before, but that is a good thing. Despite the overtly political This record is vastly different than everything that Ian and Amy have done before, but that is a good thing. Despite the overtly political lyrics, this is a very pure and innocent sounding record. One of the most minimalistic and best records I've heard all year.… Full Review »
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