everclear
September 20, 2024 Glow Plaza, J's Resort Reno Nevada
September 2, 2024, the J Resorts new ‘Glow Plaza’ emitted both a nostalgic and sprightly night as those in attendance gathered for a night of old school alternative punk rock. As the sun began to set the venue came alive with unmistakable energy. Accompanied and opened by bands Jimmys Chicken Shack and Mercy Playground, the renowned and celebrated rock band Everclear made a long-awaited return to Reno after an eight-year absence- bringing along timeless hits and emotional performances.
Despite member changes since their last time in the city, the band has been able to maintain it’s true values steady creating music that balances introspection with anthemic energy. Consisting of lead vocalist/guitarist Art Alexakis, guitar player Davey French, bass player Freddy Herrera, and drummer Brian Nola the quartet set stage ready to resonate raw emotion.
In a night where the air was just perfect- neither a chill forced you to pull your jacket closer, nor the warmth that made you long for shade, attendees readied for a night brimming with the raw-gritty, melancholic sounds that is alternative rock.
From the moment that Everclear came in presence of the crowd, as they assembled their positions on-stage, the cheers roared through the venue as the admiration rebounded from the standing crowd in front of the stage to the seated crowd that surrounded.
Despite being an early pioneer of the alternative rock scene, with the formation of the band being in 1991, the band has shown no signs of slowing down as the Reno stop is just the 6th of 36 stops for their tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of 4th studio album “Songs from an American Movie.” Adding to the already decorated list of tours the band has headlined and been apart of.
As the band bounced from the soothing acoustic melody of Songs From an American Movie to the grungy-driven melody of So Much for the Afterglow, in just the two opening songs, it did not take long for fans, both longstanding and new, to realize that the Everclear they adored from the old school days was back and ready to put on a spectacle of a show.
The shows setlist was properly curated to take attendees on a roller coaster of a ride through the history of the band. Giving a little something for everyone, the setlist featured songs from their earliest most popular works.
It wasn’t until fan favorite Heroin Girl began that the bands skill really began to highlight the show. The track, which resonates with many fans as it’s based on themes of addiction and the dark sides of love, encapsulates the essence of true old rock. In spite of 30-years of history behind the track the deep emotions and values were still reflected through genuine vocals and instrument play.
The performance brought together the lively community that is rock-n roll. It allowed for the old school fans to become clear minded, bringing upon those distinct memories of high school, college, or early 20’s when responsibilities were minimal and living life on the edge was ultimate. While at the same allowing for the new generation of rock fans to create the type of memories the old school fans reminisce on.
As the grungy, rebellious tones of El Distorto De Melodica thundered off the guitars through the speakers, the fans thoroughly relished in spite of this signaling the end of the setlist. Alexakis’ closing remarks was very quickly overtaken by the crowds impassioned chant of “ENCORE, ENCORE, ENCORE,” as fans, eager for more, craved the immersive and nostalgic surge that defined the night.
Their relentless enthusiasm showcased a desire to extend the electric atmosphere and emotional highs……
Then began the tuneful guitar riffs of Wonderful.
As the sounds radiated through the venue fans excitingly cheered at the start of the encore.
In anticipation of just one song, fans were set a ride yet another rollercoaster through the alluring discography of Everclear. Blessing fans with the spectacle of a four-song encore, Everclear followed Wonderful with the songs Heartspark Dollarsign and Brown Eyed Girl before giving fans one last treat as the finale.
In the melodic blend of jangly guitars, and upbeat rhythm from the drums, the bands most coveted and prominent song Santa Monica ringed through the venue. Serving as the perfect cherry on top to an already captivating experience.
For the almost ninety minutes in which Everclear had the crowd’s attention, one thing is for certain. A genuine experience was given throughout the performance, an experience to remember. The band gave opportunity for fans to have genuine fun, no phones needed- just a community coming together and enjoying the music for what it is.
Alessandro Guzman
Staff Writer/Rocknrollreview.com
