Named after a secluded cabin in the Rocky Mountains where it was recorded, Beth Bombara’s sixth record, “Evergreen” began life on the road and developed almost by accident.
As Bombara explains:
I wasn’t writing a new record – at least, I didn’t think I was at the time, but I’m starting to realise, that’s just what I do. I write songs. You know how trees exhale oxygen? They don’t think too hard about oxygen… it’s just a by-product of their existence. Well, songs are a by-product of my existence. I’ve already exhaled these songs, but maybe they’re a needed breath for someone else. And the idea that even one other person needs them is what fulfils me.
The result is a buoyant country rocker that’s drenched in melodic guitar hooks, chorus, and harmony. If there’s a theme across the record it is one that is about moving on, and when you learn that Bombara worked out the songs while on the road with her touring band, it is hardly surprising that the resulting record was laid down live within the space of a week.
‘Tenderhearted’ is a rare (for Bombara) love song that’s dedicated to her husband, while ‘Upside Down’ is all about embracing the small things that make big changes happens. ‘Evergreen’ with its Byrds sounding guitars and melody is about finding inner courage and carrying on. Rounding out the record ‘Criminal Tongue’ and ‘All Good Things’ give the impression that they might both be less than subtle critical commentary on the behaviour of the current occupier of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.
While the material is completely new and original there’s something strangely familiar about the record. The listener is transported into a soundscape populated by The Allaman Brothers, The Rolling Stones and Tom Petty on a record that is a positive celebration of individuality and positivity.