The latest EP release from Dutch Hippies brings out an edgy alternative rock soundscape with female-fronted vocals that boast just the perfect amount of attitude and character to get you wrapped up in these songs from the get-go.
The EveNi Era, Vol.1 EP it's hard with outstanding guitar tones and riffs that thrash out when they need to giving the songs a massive drive along with pounding drums and this energy that captures an almost live feel as if the players on the recording are feeding off of each other's energy the entire time.
One of the things I love most about this record is the Persona that's given throughout its course because that's part of what gets you so attached and so embedded in the songs themselves.
A lot of these tracks also come with some great choruses and hooks that end up bouncing around in your head for days after the songs have ended but I think what hits the most is the level of heart that's within this release.
This is clearly done by people that have a pure love for their craft and obviously as a passion project but you still get this great edginess and this infectious approach that blends that alternative hard rock feel with an almost punk rock undertone for half the record.
The combination of such a big and heavy sound with these still hard-hitting, but soulful style vocals really comes through with an almost graceful vibe and that's something that makes for a sort of unique but really in-your-face combination.
There's also this little bit of element of escapism throughout the record so that you actually end up in someone else's world for a little bit and can forget about your own which is something I miss in music no matter what the genre.
There is also a great progressive side to the record with certain tracks and there are a lot of songs that stand on their own two feet very well as singles however, I think that listening to this EP in full is the best way to do it.
I know, we live in a single-based society and that is what it is, but when someone releases an EP or an album that's meant to be listened to as a whole, you should do it.
This is part of the beauty of music and listening to full records.
It's really easy to get engulfed in this one and it's a five-track EP so it doesn't take forever to listen to the whole thing but it's incredibly worth it to do with just that this way you can soak it in the way it was meant to be.
This was fun, had loads of character, had heart, had great riffs, and a wonderful balance of edginess and color that makes it something that is incredibly worth your time.
With the release of such a wonderfully woven EP, we wanted to have a sit-down with Dutch Hippies to find out where this all came from and what might be coming up next for the band.
Here's what went down.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with the EveNi Era, Volume 1 EP! This record was lush and cinematic with impactful rock and so much more! How did this release come about?
This record is like a time capsule of our time living in NYC. We were working on a deal with Diana from Wind Up records at the time, this album was partially the demo for them. We decided after all these years, it was time to release the songs.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a band?
We started the band EveNi in 1998 and developed a buzz and a following, signing production deals, producing events and concepts, always kept on performing, winning Amsterdam Music Awards, signing a deal in NYC. Touring, traveling and being on stage was our life.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
An emotion, an idea expressed with a melody… The excitement of being alive, conveying a message of love and an uplifting spirit. It’s a blessing to create and write songs. Buzz Slayers: This release has some great approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
It’s a spectrum Eva: the biggest is probably Alanis Morissette, Incubus, Sinead O ‘Connor, Mariah Carey, Skunk Anansi, Tony Braxton and for Pepe it’s U2, Dire Straits, Eric Clapton, Joe Satriani, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore, Brian Setzer (Stray Cats), Papa Roach Buzz Slayers: What are you all doing when you're NOT working on music?
We’re full time artists and Dutch Hippies is not only a band but also a brand!! We create original custom art, jewelry and fashion. We have a pop up shop at our residency and legendary nightclub in Miami called “Do Not Sit On The Furniture” , but people can also make appointments to visit our Gallery and Studio for a private viewing.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in all your headphones right now?
Elephant Heart, Jon Reddick, Tiffany Hudson, Phil Wickham, Buckethead, Limp Bizkit…Also deephouse acts like Bedouin and Avem.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Not at the moment, but we’ll announce shows when they happen. Buzz Slayers: Do you guys record these at a big studio or do you have a home studio set-up?
This album was recorded at Smash Studios NYC. An amazing and historical facility in Manahattan. We also have a recording studio here at the Dutch Hippies mansion and farm.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
We will keep coming out with new music and unreleased tracks, it’s part of who we are. Music is our core expression and it’s interwoven in our daily existence. Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Dutch Hippies is a whole vibe and dimension on its own. But most of all we are a family and we spread good vibes where ever we are or whatever we create! Follow us on Instagram @dutchhippies and www.YouTube.com/dutchhippies for daily stories and videos.
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