Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

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A ‘Brand New Day’

On August 19, Trevor Hall fans everywhere picked up their first copies of his latest album, Everything Everytime Everywhere. His eighth commercially released installment is one that is bound to satisfy diehards as well as those new to Hall’s earthy, spiritual aura.

The “Introduction” track whispers an ambient recording of what Hall claims, in an interview with Our Stage, is the city streets of an Indian bazaar. A busy crowd backs his calming words “way up on the mountain the wings of my soul / take me to the palace back to my eternal home.” This, along with the mystical chanting of “The Mountain [Hidden Track],” provide an interpretive frame for the album, implying to new listeners Hall’s commonly transcendental ideas.

Those who appreciate Hall’s previous hits such as “Lime Tree,” “Unity” and “31 Flavors” should be pleasantly satisfied to hear similar folk and reggae-influenced anthems on the new album. What is now Hall’s most popular song on iTunes, “Brand New Day,” hooks the listener with a simplistically powerful beat and lifts itself with each chorus, layered with delicately deep vocals. “All I Ever Know” builds up in a similar fashion throughout the song, with its emotional climax about two-thirds of the way through.

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But Everything Everytime Everywhere does not follow a formula that today’s standards expect of popular music. It is safe to say that Hall refuses to limit his melodies. The songs are diverse within themselves, changing pace just when it seems they’ve been figured out. For example the song “Different Hunger” produces an attractive beat, laced with vocals that encapsulate a peppy rhythm. But halfway through, the song breaks down to a slower, relaxed jam followed by audio of a child singing in the bazaar similar to the “Introduction.”

The twenty-four-year-old has matured his sound since signing with a major label fresh out of high school. But one aspect of this evolution remains a bit stagnant: his lyrics. Hall’s message has always been simple. He speaks of human encounters, struggles and triumphs with one another and a general higher power, with related guidance sprinkled heavily in the mix. He often depicts this higher power as a mother or lover, the way others have sang about soul mates (although it seems true Hall fans seem to know the difference). But so many teenagers and young adults can relate because of his simplistic approach to the lyrics. No one becomes lost deciphering cryptic code, but instead can embrace universal messages with undemanding words. Hall’s newest album is no different. Some may dislike this lack of development, but then again who hasn’t criticized a band for changing too much? And aren’t Hall’s peaceful and loving philosophies one of the main reasons so many have fallen under his charismatic spell in the first place?

Whether or not you are already a fan, Everything Everytime Everywhere is worth a listening to. Although it provides stories and guidance built on Hindu principles, it represents universal qualities of love and peace seen in the roots of any religion without forcing them upon listeners. This album is for anyone and everyone that enjoys meaningful alternative, folk and reggae music.

Trevor Hall plays at the Majestic Theater Sunday. Those willing to make the leap and those who have already leapt should consider attending.

4 stars out of 5

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