Envy Of The State – Soundtrack For Your Life

• 24th May 2010

Envy of the State, previously known as Ever The Joker, release their eagerly awaited debut album very soon. The Telford based four piece rock band has already built a solid reputation as a live act on both sides of the Atlantic and this release is surely destined to be a big seller.

The album has only 10 tracks and clocks in at a mere 33 minutes, but it displays a tremendous energy and excitement that leaves the listener eager for more. Produced by Russ Russell (The Wildhearts, Napalm Death, SiKth) ‘Soundtrack For Your Life’ contains the type of meaty guitar riffs and infectious choruses that add up to a dynamic and powerful rock sound.

The opening Rags To Riches (Riches To Rehab) sets the tone nicely with lead singer Scott Adams displaying a fine range as his vocals soar over a potent mix. Silver Screen then continues at a pace, with Darrell Smith’s solid guitar playing and excellent solo work very much to the fore.

Up next is the single Take Over The Radio, which is very much a summertime track. This is a song simply made to be played loud while cruising in a convertible on a sunny day, with its anthemic chorus built onto some fine guitar riffs. Ben Millington’s drums propel the beat forward and punctuate a fine track with energy and purpose.

While Angels Are Sleeping features power chords, soaring high pitched vocals and a bass line from Steve Tipton that thrusts into an already insistent sound, which rises and falls before coming to a fine climax.

Attract Me With Fire is pretty standard rock fare punctuated by an acoustic bridge that contrasts nicely with the crunching guitar that prevails for most of the track.

Lives Collide starts slowly before an incendiary guitar solo lifts it to new heights. Adams again displays his vocal range to good effect; his delivery admirably complementing the track’s changing rhythms. A fine slice of rock music.

The title track, Devil In My Eyes and Blind are really more of the same. Good, solid rock music, nothing more and nothing less. They maintain the fast pace that characterises the album and rush by in a passionate frenzy.

Our Time closes the album with an insistent energy that rises from a solid start to a soaring chorus before the guitar kicks in one last time. At almost five minute, this is the longest track on the album and perhaps the best. Again anthemic and dynamic, the listener is left with feet tapping and a desire to reach straight for the repeat button.

Overall, this is an excellent debut album from a band with great musical talent and an instinct for making inspiring rock music. The combination of guitar hooks and sing along choruses quickly invades the mind, making this a release that will liven up the summer. It is available for pre order now, and is a must buy for all fans of good rock music.

Envy of the State has just started a UK tour to promote the album and I am very much looking forward to my first time seeing them play live. It should be a great show.