286) Echo & the Bunnymen - Evergreen

Echo & The Bunnymen were meant to be as big as U2. They sadly never were but are certainly a much better band (my opinion).

Their fifth self-titled album had not been as well received as the first four and McCulloch had quit for a solo career. The band decided to continue but tragically drummer Pete de Freitas was killed in a motorbike accident. The new Bunnymen album was not a success although is worth a listen (https://www.albumsin200words.co.uk/post/99-echo-the-bunnymen-reverberation) and McCulloch’s solo career had not set the world on fire.

McCulloch reunited with Will Sergeant for Electrafixion, another record well worth your time (https://www.albumsin200words.co.uk/post/188-electrafixion-burned). Touring the record old Bunnymen songs entered the set and after being dropped by their record label and with Les Pattinson agreeing to come back the Bunnymen were back.

Most reformed bands announce a tour and a greatest hits album but not the Bunnymen, they recorded a new record, Evergreen.

First up was the single Nothing Lasts Forever, with Liam Gallagher on backing vocals, this was classic Bunnymen, crisp guitar from Will and a precise heartfelt vocal from Mac, this relaunched the band and stormed the top ten.

It’s not up there with the first four, very few albums are. The album on release was lauded, I think we were just glad to have them back, as it’s a good record, not a great one, Will’s opening riff on I Want To Be There is a reminder of what an underrated guitarist he is and McCulloch’s voice is strong throughout but a lot of the tracks are mid-tempo but fair play there is usually excellent guitar work going on in the background from Will.

Altamont starts with another excellent riff and sways along before the riff reappears and an excellent solo, it swaggers, that’s the Bunnymen we know.

I’ll Fly Tonight is a heartfelt ballad and Forgiven is a dramatic finale. An album to enjoy, not love, but was good to have them back and McCulloch should remember he needs Sergeant.

7/10

GIVE IT A STREAM: Nothing Lasts Forever