Tell Me Life’s Funny by Evangelism

For fans of Manaleek, War Room, post punk revival, and that magical mix of sincerity and surrealism that only an experimental punk project could provide, Tell Me Life’s Funny by Evangelism puts an expansive instrumental lineup to work by inviting us into a passionate, flamboyant, yet fundamentally stagnant world not too dissimilar from our own. Angular guitar riffs interact with unexpectedly serene and varied vocal performances, which in the company of tempered, folksy fiddles and swinging, jazzy saxophones generate a warm, inviting atmosphere. Energy naturally pools up behind this core sound, bubbling up to the surface organically through distorted post hardcore climaxes to air out visceral frustrations with both grace and intensity. Punk frustrations may drive these moments, but a spirit of tragedy grows in strength throughout the record, eventually shrouding the proceedings in a thick haze of melancholy. Momentary frustration gives way to deep, existential longing, the permanence of our struggle sprouting into an all-consuming terror. Our only comfort comes from a friendly, familiar voice, leading us in song as we confront the enormity of a permanent moment.