Evacuate Chicago - Veracity!

Just today we got the new Evacuate Chicago CD mastered. This CD turned out way better than I even imagined, and I imagine stuff a lot.

For those who are not aware, Evacuate Chicago is a side project of mine, Joshy from Psychostick, and Alex from Psychostick. Evacuate Chicago is basically a non-comedic version of Psychostick that was formed originally by Alex who wrote many songs that didn't fit Psychostick's style. I'd say about 2/3rds of it is VERY aggresive hardcore/metal, while the other 1/3rd is a bit more melodic.

Here are my thoughts and feelings on the individual songs:

1. Occasional Letter 1 ("Pat yourself on the back because you're good at taking orders"): Josh revised the original lyrics and did a phenomenal job. This song hits me pretty hard since many of the systems in society are training us to be worker bees rather than independent thinkers. Great stuff.
2. Nothing Like You ("You invalidate every fucking thing that I say"): An Alex composition. Don't you hate it when people just give you advice when you don't want it? They think they know you? Good intentions don't fix people. Sometimes you have to let them be and just be supportive.
3. Deny ("She'll never think of you again"): The first song Alex ever wrote if I remember correctly. Breaking up is hard to do. Letting go completely is even harder. This song was my anthem in 2004 when Alex wrote it, and I don't think he even knew. :)
4. Perfect Ratio ("You'll always get the best advice while you're sleeping"): A great song Alex wrote. I really dig this tune because I got experiment more with vocals.
5. The Hole ("Gone already to my private hell"): Joshy was going through some serious crap when he wrote this. Tried to capture it the best I could.
6. The Damage Has Been Done ("Do you ever regret?"): Fucking Alex. When I had to learn the rhythm of the chorus in rehearsal, I thought it was some mean prank he was playing on me. After I finally nailed it, it turned out brutal.
7. Proof of Dark Matter ("Record number of times I've started over"): My favorite song on this CD. Why? The melody. I don't get that many opportunities to sing like this (most of the time I'm screaming), so... yay! The overall feel of this song I think most anyone can relate to. Well written by Alex. My buddy Rachel is playing the piano part at the end.
8. Progress Beyond Repair ("I have embraced what you choose to ignore"): The truth hurts, ya know? Brutality written by Alex.
9. Velociraptors ("Take a pill to wear you out"): A song about a nightmare Alex had. I'm very proud of how this song actually SOUNDS like a nightmare. Crazy!
10. Time Lapse Photography ("Someday he might awake to find he's glad to get up"): Josh wrote this one. Life isn't about working the same job until the end. There's always a way out.
11. Peace, Love, and Santa Claus ("Write your letters in cursive like wanting a love so desperately"): Another cool melodic song by Alex. Had some high parts that challenged me, but I think I did really well. Maybe it's the effects? Naw. It's me. HAR AHR
12. Fine Line of Forgiveness ("You do not have the right to say, 'None of this is my fault you will learn to forgive one day'"): It's easy to tell someone to forgive, but actually forgiving is another story altogether. Written by Alex.

These songs should be available for purchase on the Snocap portion of the Evacuate Chicago myspace page any time now. Hope ya like 'em!

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