Album Review: Theory Of Everything, 'Evolution of the 'Art

If you're looking for good, clean, non-partisan rock, Theory of Everything is definitely not the band for you. If, however, you like a shifting palette of tonal colors and musical styles complementing clear, politically conscious lyrics, you might just like them. The local band, fronted by local scenester and open-mic star Darrin Drda, who describes their sound as "space folk," has recently completed a self-released album, "Evolution of the 'Art".

The use of wind instruments on the album's rollicking opener, "Deathmobile," a sardonic tribute to SUVs, as well as on the self-explanatory "Democrazy!" provides a nice contrast in timbre from some of the slower songs, which feature the more delicate flute and glockenspiel. The album's title track, "(r)Evolution of the (he)Art," is reminiscent of a slow groove song of the sort that Traffic did so well, and contains an almost mantra-like chant, "The heart is a muscle the size of your fist/You've got to keep loving, rise up and resist," which would be really cool live, but which (perhaps) goes on a bit too long on the recording.

The disco-tinged guitar and thumping bass counterpoint on "Never Gonna Buy It" provides a beat that gets under the skin, and the almost-too-perky "Hug A Republican" not only has some of the funniest lyrics on the album, but invites the listener to join in the music-making. The group also plays a track that can only be described as amplified country music on speed ("Wait and See"), and the vocals-if a description is really necessary-especially on "Note to Self," sound not unlike Ben Folds with a mild reverb effect.

All in all, there is not a bad song on the album and--like Theory of Everything's live shows--is definitely worth the price of admission.


Theory of Everything will be playing this Sunday, August 14, at 9:30 at the Cowboy Monkey with $5 cover. TOE appears as part of a "Best Of Open Mic"showcase.

*****
Originally Published Aug 11, 2005, Buzz Weekly (Champaign-Urbana, Illinois)
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