» Blog Archive Covet Do That Thing Where They Make Good Music -
Evan Conway Hard Music, News, Reviews, Streaming

In today’s progressive landscape, it’s rare for spectacle and wonder to take a backseat to the artistic merits of music. Prog was founded in the late 60’s and early 70’s using both of these aspects, but acts like King Crimson exploited the more experimental and art-inspired side of the genre almost immediately out of the womb. Today, the modern math rock/proggy noodling community of internet-famous bands who, in a constantly changing environment, work even harder to get noticed by the general public, is a constant fight to differentiate one’s self. Covet is an interesting one, in that they are artistic by nature, but also rather than bore their listener with wordless displays of their superior musicianship, they elect to take a mature journey through their songs in a neatly wrapped sonic landscape.

The band’s second major release, Effloresce, is a big step forward for the San Jose three-piece, in which everything about the album feels cohesive and without much trepidation. Though one might recognize guitarist Yvette Young first from her YouTube channel, Covet never forgets that it’s a three piece that utilizes Young’s guitars as well as bassist David Adamiak and drummer Keith Grimshaw to their full potential. Young is known not only for playing but painting her own guitars, and from the album’s accurate portrayal of what one could vision the music taking shape to, to the ebb and flow of tracks from one another, and reaching to the actual production on Effloresce, Covet’s second EP feels closer to a musical concept than an average release.

Big names in the musical scene today like Animals as Leaders and Chon may be used as a means to describe Covet’s sound, with the former being the more accurate of comparisons. Yet the ambient and energetic  nature (respectively) of the two is where comparisons end, as Chon might be likened to street murals and slices of pizza whereas Covet are canvas paintings and a meal from Whole Foods. (Funny enough, Chon’s Mario Camarena makes an appearance on “Sea Dragon” and provides an appropriately placed solo towards the end of the track) There’s a tone to Covet’s style and writing that is digestible, meditative, and exciting, but it doesn’t make you want to go absolutely wild. It’s more tame, tranquil, and brings upon a state of calmness especially when equipped with a set of headphones. Your laptop speaks simply won’t do this album justice.

Covet has set a standard for themselves in recent years with their impressive playing, and continues to push that standard even higher with each new release. Effloresce sees the trio improving and bettering themselves, and it’s on “Gleam” and “Howl” that we see each musician hit a new high in terms of playability. Grimshaw in particular stole the album for me, with the entirety being a constant test of how much one drummer could impress in 31 minutes. He’s damn good, and I have no doubt he’ll be on the same tier as Gavin Harrison one day if he so wishes to push himself there.

Yet all of this wouldn’t really matter if the band didn’t sound good, and Effloresce jumps that hurdle. Simply put, it sounds as if the band were playing an Audiotree session right in front of me. Though Young’s guitar tone is the central focus, it never overwhelms the drums or bass, yet rather opts to play alongside them and form a sound out of how in balance everything is. It’s a very natural feel, that when compared to the likes of similar acts who are polished to hell and back, it makes for an all-around pleasant change of pace.

Effloresce is very much a solid instrumental release that gladly puts the focus on the band aspect instead of the virtuosity. Covet are certainly a musician’s band, but not specifically a guitarist or drummer’s band either. Instead, it’s three musicians that are performing with one another, in which their undeniable chemistry comes through in the music, and the end product is certainly satisfying overall.

Effloresce is available everywhere now and can be purchased right here. You can watch their video for “Shibuya” below.

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