• Record Label: Dischord
  • Release Date: Mar 15, 2005
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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. 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 lyrics, this is a very pure and innocent sounding record. One of the most minimalistic and best records I've heard all year.
  2. ChrisC
    Apr 8, 2005
    8
    A strong work that proves again that you can strip down the sound of a rock album and focus on pure songwriting, and make it into something really good. I would give it a 9, but some of the songs have the tendency to repeat lyrics over and over, which is one of my pet peeves.
  3. 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 tracks, I feel like there just a riff someone made up on the spot. Also..... where's the bass?
  4. 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
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. The Evens not just a step forward in the creative careers of MacKaye and Farina, it's a major leap.
  2. This is by far the moodiest, mellowest stuff MacKaye has ever been involved with.
  3. 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.