Evert Snyman - All-Killer-Filler (Album Review)

Release Date: July 28th 2023. Record Label: Mongrel Records. Formats: CD/DD

All-Killer-Filler: Tracklisting

1. Search and Destroy (The Stooges)

2. Temporary Secretary (Paul McCartney)

3. I Just Wanna Get Along (The Breeders)

4. Zero (Smashing Pumpkins)

5. Beetlebum (Blur)

6. I Will (The Beatles)

7. Escape – The Piña Colada Song (Rupert Holmes)

8. Freedom Rock (Frank Black)

9. The Colour and The Shape (Foo Fighters)

10. Planet Of Sound (Pixies)

11. When Your Number Isn’t Up (Mark Lanegan)

12. Jesus Gonna Be Here (Tom Waits)

Review:

South African multi-instrumentalist and good old-fashioned rock musician Evert Snyman returns with his latest album All-Killer-Filler. An album featuring Evert covering songs by his favourite artists and musical influences from a wide range of different genres. Evert covers tracks by musical artists such as The Stooges, Paul McCartney, The Breeders, Smashing Pumpkins, Blur, Foo Fighters, Pixies and Mark Lanegan to name but a few there.

Evert pays homage to all of the tracks contained on the album but also adds his own creative spin on the tracks by employing a different array of different styles, such as Punk Rock, Stoner Rock and Electronic beats, even if the original versions don’t include these elements, such as the fantastic cover of Paul McCartney’s track Temporary Secretary which is one of the most interesting choices contained on the whole album.

The album does start up with a modern-day cover of The Stooges' classic Search And Destroy. This version doesn't stray too far from the original, but there’s a more distinctive Hard Rock sound with the Garage Rock sound being more distant in places. A great track to open the album with.

I’m not a huge fan of BLUR and The Smashing Pumpkins, but Evert’s covers of Zero and Beetlebum are bloody fantastic in their own right. Zero has a Punk Rock and Sludgy vibe that makes it more essential listening compared to the original. Beetlebum has a more stripped back approach that feels like it's being delivered by Soundgarden in places and ends up becoming my favourite cover on the whole album. Quite a remarkable feat since I can’t stand BLUR or this song. 

Other great covers to check out are: I Will (The Beatles), Freedom Rock (Frank Black), The Colour And The Shape (Foo Fighters), Planet Of Sound (The Pixies), When Your Number Isn’t Up (Mark Lanegan) and Jesus Gonna Be Here (Tom Waits).

Well, that’s actually the entirety of the album and perhaps where folks will find the most enjoyment. As Evert expertly performs dramatic versions compared to the original, they are either quieter melodic pieces or more heavier interpretations of these classic and well-known tracks. 

The album is quite emotionally driven in places and I can even forgive Evert for including a cover of the god-awful The Piña Colada Song (Rupert Holmes). As he makes this track rather cool, hip and bloody good fun as well.

All-Killer-Filler is a welcome diversion from the current batch of covers albums being released and showcases why Evert Snyman is one of the most essential and finest musicians to come from the South African rock Scene. Evert is joined by multiple guests on this album who all help Evert deliver a solid collection of covers that offers sublime entertainment from start to finish.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Warren at Mongrel Records for the promo.

All-Killer-Fillier is available to buy on CD/DD from Mongrel Records from Friday 28th July 2023.

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South African Rock Musician and Multi-Instrumentalist Evert Snyman Unveils First Single from Highly Anticipated Covers Album All Killer Filler

Renowned South African rock musician and multi-instrumentalist, Evert Snyman, is set to captivate audiences once again with the release of his first single from an upcoming covers album All Killer Filler which is out on the 28th July 2023 via Mongrel Records. The album features an array of tracks carefully selected from some of Evert's all-time favorite bands and musicians, offering a fresh and dynamic take on the songs.

As a respected figure in the South African music scene, Evert Snyman has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music with his extraordinary talent and eclectic taste. With a diverse musical background, Snyman has established himself as a master of multiple instruments, seamlessly blending various genres and infusing his own unique style into every performance.

The forthcoming covers album showcases his ability to reimagine and breathe new life into beloved songs. Drawing inspiration from an impressive repertoire of influential musicians, the album promises to delight fans both old and new. Each track has been thoughtfully chosen to pay homage to the artists who have shaped Evert Snyman’s musical journey, while simultaneously showcasing his own creative evolution. Listeners can expect to be enthralled by his dynamic interpretations of iconic songs from artists such as Paul McCartney, Pixies, The Stooges, Mark Lanegan, Tom Waits and Smashing Pumpkins. With each cover, Evert injects his own distinctive style, seamlessly blending his technical prowess with raw emotion.

The debut single Temporary Secretary, originally done by Paul McCartney, is a testament to his creative vision and meticulous attention to detail. With its infectious energy and innovative reinterpretation, Temporary Secretary sets the stage for an album that promises to be a remarkable addition to Evert Snyman's discography.

Buy / Stream Temporary Secretary

Pre-Order All-Killer-Filler

All-Killer-Filler Tracklisting

1. Search and Destroy (The Stooges)

2. Temporary Secretary (Paul McCartney)

3. I Just Wanna Get Along (The Breeders)

4. Zero (Smashing Pumpkins)

5. Beetlebum (Blur)

6. I Will (The Beatles)

7. Escape – The Piña Colada Song (Rupert Holmes) 

8. Freedom Rock (Frank Black) 

9. The Colour and The Shape (Foo Fighters)

10. Planet Of Sound (Pixies) 

11. When Your Number Isn’t Up (Mark Lanegan)

12. Jesus Gonna Be Here (Tom Waits)

About Evert Snyman

Based in Johannesburg, Evert Snyman has launched and collaborated on various projects, cementing himself as a versatile multi-instrumentalist. Perhaps the most well-known as the guitarist and singer of Pollinator.

Evert’s powerful vocals range from angst-ridden screams to crystal clear melodies that cut through filthy guitars, caveman drums accompanied by the occasional oversaturated keyboard.

He records and produces all his own music from his studio Pariah by himself and also with his band The Aviary (as well as countless other musicians). Snyman has put out 3 albums, the Aviary (2019) Hot Mess (2021) and Pruning In The Dark (2022) released by Mongrel Records.

Evert Snyman also produces other artists, more recently he has worked with Kenny Hughes, Van Kose. He has also worked with Caution Boy, Ruff Majik and The Tazers. Evert has performed or been involved with many bands such as Bombaby, Battlecock, Black Pimp'n Jesus, Mad God, Gay Thing, Swandy, The Deaf Commission, Swandy, Dragon Invasion and Pink Noise to name a few.

He shows no sign of slowing down and he is already working on his next album.

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Evert Snyman Releases New Video For: DUMB AND DEAD

South African producer and songwriter Evert Snyman has released a live studio performance video for his track Dumb and Dead, taken from his well-received second solo album Hot Mess.

Based in Johannesburg, Snyman has launched and collaborated on various projects, cementing himself as a versatile multi-instrumentalist. He’s best known as the guitarist and vocalist of alternative rock band Pollinator but has been involved in various bands over the years such as synth rockers Swandy, doom-metallers Mad God and experimental alternative noise-rock project Bombaby. He has most recently joined South African stoner rock cult Ruff Majik as a fulltime member after handling production duties on their last couple albums.

“When I wrote Dumb and Dead I was listening to a lot of Pixies and was inspired by their song Baal’s Back, where Black Francis only screams throughout the entire song. Stiaan Du Preez’s lead guitar was the last thing to really tie the track together. Let’s just say I felt a lot of relief after screaming my brains out that day” laughs Evert.

Watch the video below

Dumb and Dead is available now on all digital platforms https://orcd.co/dumbanddead

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Evert Snyman - Hot Mess (Album Review)

Release date: January 22nd 2021. Label: Mongrel Records. Format: DD

Hot Mess – Tracklisting

1.The End Of Time 03:12 
2.Debilitate Me 03:32 
3.Dumb and Dead 02:09 
4.Cleaner Than God 04:24 
5.Hot Mess 03:22 
6.Maybe Never 03:58 
7.I Live the Lie 02:31 
8.If Eyes Could Kill 05:02 
9.Operation Human Shield 03:10 
10.Consummate 04:25 
11.Burn 04:29 

Musicians 

Evert Snyman : Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Piano, Wurlitzer, Synthesizer, Drums and Percussion 
Wessel Möller : Wurlitzer on The End of Time 
Stiaan Du Preez : Lead Guitar on Dumb and Dead 
Tim Edwards : Percussion Loops on Cleaner than God and Drums on Burn 
Roan Muntingh : Guitar solo on I Live the Lie 

Review

Hot Mess is the new album from South African Multi-Instrumentalist – Evert Snyman – who also happens to be a member of South African Stoner/Grunge Rock Outlaws – Ruff Majik. Evert plays a different style of music to Ruff Majik on this album but has managed to take Ruff Majik’s wild and vivid creative charm with him to produce a spellbinding effort that’s quite off-beat from start to finish. 

If you’re a fan of Here Lies Man then this Hot Mess follows a similar approach with Evert playing a mix of Alternative Rock, Desert Rock, Psych Rock and a vintage QOTSA Rock Swagger on the earlier stages of the record with The End Of Time, Debilitate Me and Dumb and Dead setting the scene for Evert showing a keen ear for addictive lyrics, vocals and melodic hard rock. 

The album also allows Evert to play a more mellow style of Rock Music and this offers the perfect balance to the more heavier compositions held on the record. Every plays almost everything on this record though he does has help with various guest musicians on other songs which allows even those guest musicians to have a chance to shine as well. 

Hot Mess is a rebellious album that pays homage to 90s Desert/Stoner Rock with a slight 2000’s indie rock feel. I can hear influences from THE HIVES as well especially when the Punk Rock guitars appear. Though it’s all very much Evert’s own style of music where he impresses on the majority of the 11 tracks that appear on the album. 

The production is handled by Every himself and he’s a wonderful producer. He proved this on the last Ruff Majik record which I believed he produced and mixed as well. I could be wrong on the producing part. Evert’s eye to fine detail on the entire production and recording is a major highlight and everything sounds superb. The overall sound is LOUD and VIBRANT with the record sounding first rate from start to finish. 

The 2nd half of the album is perhaps the best part of the album with songs such as I Live The Lie, If Eyes Could Kill, Operation Human Shield, Consummate and Burn being the containing the most intriguing ideas no the album. It maybe slightly too long but at least Evert will keep you entertained for the majority of the album and make you wonder where will this crazy album take you next. 

Overall, Hot Mess is a proper balls-to-the-wall HEAVY RAWK album and showcases one of the most creative musicians from the South African Stoner Rock scene. 

Words by Steve Howe

You can buy Hot Mess from the following link

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Multi-instrumentalist Evert Snyman releases new single Operation Human Shield

Multi-instrumentalist Evert Snyman releases new single Operation Human Shield along with studio performance video. 

One rarely encounters that unique sound that draws you in and alerts your senses…that rare quality in a musician that forces you to listen more closely and pay attention. South African musician and producer Evert Snyman is exactly that – a talented songwriter and performer who has enthralled many an audience with his galvanic melodies, poetic, yet straightforward lyrics and hypnotic rhythms. Based in Johannesburg, Evert has launched and collaborated on various projects, cementing himself as a versatile multi-instrumentalist, the most notorious of these being alternative rock bands, Pink Noise and Pollinator. Recording and producing all his own music at his studio in Auckland Park, he quickly become renowned on the local scene as the go to rock producer, working with bands like Caution Boy, Mad God and Ruff Majik, whose ranks he recently joined as a full time member.

What sets Evert apart from other musicians is the raw honesty of his music. He is a fearless and unabated songwriter and lyricist, speaking to emotions we often keep hidden - even from ourselves. Evert’s powerful vocals range from angst-ridden screams to crystal clear melodies that cut through intense rock guitars, drums, and keys. Today sees the of Operation Human Shield, the first single from his forthcoming second solo album Hot Mess, set for release on the 22nd January 2021 via Mongrel Records. 

“Initially I just wanted to make a song in 6/8 timing with Jazzy drumbeat and piano. I don't know what some my songs are about until long after I've written them, but I think it's safe to say the lockdown had a fair bit of influence on this one.” He comments.

Operation Human Shield is available now on all digital platforms https://orcd.co/operationhumanshield / Bandcamp

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