For some the thought of Everclear coming back to this country would take them back to their college days, back when American pie was still in it’s infancy and grunge had seemed to have cheered itself up from the anti-climax of the millennium bug.  It also conjured the sentence “I thought they had split up!”

In reality Art Alexakis, frontman to this Wonderful band had a re-think over the bands’ direction.  Since a line up change that was solidified in 2010 and breaking from Capitol records the group seemed to stay in the US, re-releasing old songs with a new style and touring with the likes of Filter. Now in 2013, Art decided return to the UK, where they showcased all the fan favorites at a host of O2 Academy‘s.

Support came from Layers, a small band with big ideas and a big future, and Blame whose bark was worse than their bite.  Layers’ frontman didn’t confine himself to the stage as his excitement showed experience and style not seen since the early days of U2.  The bands’ quality gave them a slick exterior so well executed you would never believe they only had six songs. 

Blame on the other hand were a little disappointing.  It may have been down to the tour taking its’ tole, but the sound was sloppy and harmonies were off.  The songs however were well written and expect to hear better quality when listening to their E.P.  They also knew how to get the Academy moving, and showed their love for the lead act by getting the crowd excited for them.

Everclear entered with the 50’s style harmonies signifying the beginning of the song ‘So much for the afterglow’, but it also had a hint of something special arriving.  It sounded like the beginning of spring and the warm weather seeping in, sweeping away the cold outside.  The group then thrust forward with the songs ‘Father of mine’ and  ‘Heroin girl’ with the small stage making the band look ten times bigger than they were.  Every fan in the crowd showed their appreciation by singing along to every hit, which had been polished and given a modern take that left the room ecstatic.  Songs like ‘AM Radio’ and ‘Wonderful’ were among the greatest re-worked pieces.   Part way through the set the group downed tools and Art donned his acoustic guitar to play a 3 piece, first with ‘Songs from an American movie’ and then, after asking the crowd which to play he then said “Fuck it, I’ll play both!” and continued with ‘Learning how to smile’ and ‘Strawberry’. 

By the end of the night the whole room was alive with people swaying, falling in love and jumping to the familiar fun work of this unforgettable group.  The strange occurrence was only being the lack of new songs played, especially considering they were also promoting their new album which had been released a few weeks before.  ‘Be careful what you ask for’ was played in the encore, along with ‘Local God‘ and ‘I will buy you a new life’, in which it seemed a little out of place, but if you listened to the new album you will discover the bands’ new sound and direction and realize that they have grown up in style and substance.  The end of the night was signaled by the band taking their place behind the merchandise table to sign autographs which was unusual for such a big band but a welcome to all their UK fans. 

The evening was a massive hit and with any luck the British public will embrace Everclear back into their hearts.