Erecting their vision out of the wreckage of their high school bands, guitarist scene-mates and chemistry classmates Dean Rud and Tyler Pickering aligned themselves with drummer Casey Lewis and dubbed themselves The Failure. The Failure was anything but, selling through pressings of their first albums and placing videos in rotation on both MuchMusic and MTV Canada. Despite this, change was coming. While the role of fourth- member-bassist was becoming prone to turnover, it was a metamorphosis in The Evidence’s songwriting that got the attention of fans and critics.
When Rud, Pickering, and Lewis set out to write and record the next album together, Polarity, something had changed. Whether it was the long road slogs, broken vans, broken hands, shows for a dozen sweaty kids in mouldy makeshift all-ages venues or simply the upshot of a band collectively transitioning into their 20’s, the trio realized they had uncovered the marrow of their identity. Recognizing the winds of change, Rud, Pickering, and Lewis chose a new name for the band, and The Evidence was (re-)born.
The Evidence is a square-peg rock band. Approaching their craft with an obsessive attention to detail, the band seeks to build a legacy playing the music they love. To that end, Dean Rud started his own record label, Meter Records, to release The Evidence’s albums as well as projects for their peers. Casey Lewis keeps his hand in the business side through his recording studio, Echo Base (when not drumming for progressive thrash-punk band, Belvedere). Tyler Pickering spends his time on his electronic solo project, The Analogue Kid, and touring with Chixdiggit and the Ramblin’ Ambassadors. It would be easy, with all of these other responsibilities, to get distracted from making music, but as their tenure and talent attest The Evidence are dedicated to their music; bound to their vision and craft as they are to each other.
In 50 Words:
The Evidence is a square-peg rock band whose sound appeals to listeners of Green Day, Foo Fighters, or Bad Religion.
Their history of small spots on high profile festival dates, local radio love, European van tours, broken bones, and broken bass players is reflected in the their Potential album, the latest instalment in a thematic and evolving discography.
Click for Hi-Res (300 dpi) | Photo by Carla Fedje
The blend of dedication, musicianship, and attention to detail particular to the Evidence is apparent from the opening notes of the band’s latest album, Potential. If Polarity was a leap forward for The Evidence, Currents was a confirmation, and Potential is the punctuation; presenting the band’s progressive tendencies while streamlining and sharpening their heavy melodic sound down to a razor’s edge. From the opening notes of the aptly titled “Lies” to the complex, poly-rhythms of “Again & Again”, The Evidence give every indication that their muse has never been stronger.
Cut to the stage, with Rud and Pickering bouncing lines off each other like animated electrons while Casey drums for his life and belts out the leads in a flurry of sweat and fervour. Their live show is an invigorating and indelible experience, but The Evidence are real guys, doing what they love without pretense. Their distinctive blend of literate songwriting, attention to detail and fearlessness beam from the stage and stereo in an experience that proves music can still move us. Here, friends, is evidence of that.
In 100 Words:
The Evidence is a square-peg rock band originating from Canada. While their influences range from classic acts like Queen or Rush to melodic hardcore ala Bad Religion, the band has a concise sound that appeals to listeners of Foo Fighters, Billy Talent, or Green Day.
Their history includes plenty of highs: European tours, Warped tour, Junofest, and CMW appearances, a couple of hometown contest wins, and some love from local radio. The lows include broken-down vans, broken bones, and broken bass players.
The Potential album, the latest in a thematic discography, is a new benchmark in the band’s angular aggro-pop pursuit.
