Elemental Evolution
| Elemental Evolution | ||||||||||
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| EP by D. S. Bradford | ||||||||||
| Released | August 5, 2016 | |||||||||
| Recorded | 2015–2016 | |||||||||
| Studio | Equinox By Fireside Music | |||||||||
| Genre | Rock,[1] progressive rock,[2] alternative[3] | |||||||||
| Length | 19:46 | |||||||||
| Label | Sony Music • Sugo Music Group • Equinox By Fireside Music | |||||||||
| Producer | D. S. Bradford | |||||||||
| D. S. Bradford chronology | ||||||||||
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Elemental Evolution is the debut EP by American alternative rock artist D. S. Bradford. The seven-track[4] collection of songs is a concept album, focused on Bradford's personal story, as well as the broader idea of illustrating a world of peace and tolerance for humanity.[5] Recording took place between the years 2015 and 2016 at Equinox By Fireside Music in Horsham, Pennsylvania, with the exception of the original recording of "Oceans", which occurred between 2012 and 2014. Subsequently, the lead single was re-recorded to match the production value of the EP.[6] The album was released and distributed by Sony Music and Sugo Music Group.[3][4]
Track listing
All lyrics written by D. S. Bradford; all music composed by D. S. Bradford.
| Elemental Evolution | ||
|---|---|---|
| No. | Title | Length |
| 1. | "A Call To The Stars I: Ascend The Lost" | 1:59 |
| 2. | "The Rise" | 0:55 |
| 3. | "Oceans" | 3:13 |
| 4. | "The Seasons" | 2:25 |
| 5. | "Elemental Evolution" | 3:34 |
| 6. | "The Move" | 0:28 |
| 7. | "A Call To The Stars II: A Home In The Sky" | 7:12 |
Total length: |
19:46 | |
Background and recording
Story of Elemental Evolution
Just after the release of the single, and title track, Elemental Evolution EP was described by Bradford during an interview with The Revue as an introspective examination of the world at large and how humanity would survive if the trends of violence and intolerance towards one another were reversed and eliminated.[7] Bradford further elaborated during an interview with Lehigh Valley Underground that the EP is a collection of songs that examine the human condition with acute focus on living in harmony in the turbulent reality with which citizens are faced. He alluded that the battles between societal differences and the intolerance and racism in politics and society, with a vision of successful means of finding peace in a world with no borders were inspirations for the lyrics and meaning behind Elemental Evolution.[8][9]
Upon the release, Bradford provided a detailed account of the writing process and stories behind the tracks as part of a feature in Music Junkie Press. The EP is bookended by "A Call To The Stars I: Ascend The Lost" and the closer, "A Call To The Stars II: A Home In The Sky". Part one is the introduction to the entire saga as seen through the eyes of Bradford as he recounts moments in his personal life that aligned with the feeling of hopelessness as he watches the torment and negativity in the world.[6] The EP unfolds more as a progressive rock opera, or a mini-album, with all of the songs blending into one another, creating movements[10] cohesively, with distinct songs marking each chapter within the album.[2]
Artwork
Bradford, also an illustrator and having drawn the covers for his first two singles, created the cover art to convey the sense of self being in touch with nature. Several elements can be seen within the cover art, which is a surreal self-portrait.[2][4][6][10]
Reception
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |  [11] |
| Music Junkie Press | [6] |
| Indie Band Guru | [2] |
| Music Existence |  [12] |
| Lehigh Valley Underground | [10] |
| PopMatters | [13] |
Elemental Evolution was released to mostly positive reviews. Face The Noise debuted an exclusive stream on their website on August 4, 2016.[14] In a review in advance of the release date, Gerard Longo of Lehigh Valley Underground gave praise to Bradford's musicality and diverse use of his songwriting and composition knowledge, stating Bradford is,
| “ | "a versatile musician who seamlessly intermingles alternative rock with the progressive and psychedelic." | ” |
Shelagh Dolan of Indie Band Guru furthered the consensus of Bradford's versatility, labeling it a "daring debut" and comparing the guitar work on the track "Oceans" to Coheed and Cambria and Blink 182. She also stated that "The Seasons", a predominantly instrumental track, with its
| “ | "oscillating piano melody […] evokes the imagery of changing autumn leaves. The song’s nature-inspired elements are abandoned, however, when a voiceover of Donald Trump says, “The American dream is dead,” igniting an epic guitar solo and the futuristic feel of a Muse song." | ” |
Dolan concludes in her review that, although this was no conventional debut, "Bradford sticks the landing with confidence."[2]
Mari Richardson of Music Junkie Press, in addition to publishing a track-by-track breakdown of the release, focused on the positivity of the story behind Elemental Evolution and the need for the kind of sentiment that Bradford communicates throughout the songs.
| “ | "It is time for us to focus on music that brings out the best in each one of us and shines a light of hope on what can sometimes seem like a dark world." | ” |
Rachel Freitas of Music Existence ranked the EP 4.5/5-stars, highlighting the "genius of Bradford" can be found in such tracks as "The Rise", a short piano interlude. She later summed up the review, focusing in detail on "A Call To The Stars II: A Home In The Sky"
| “ | "The EP ends with “A Call to the Stars II: A Home in the Sky which is a seven minute (plus) song that really brings the whole record together. It simply drifts along with amazing harmonies and a trippy 60s or 70s vocals that let Bradford come through as a superior singer and songwriter. The structure of this particular track is a wonder to deconstruct, easily sliding in and out of soft and hard rock. At times it explodes like a star shooting across the sky, Bradford breaking out of his comfort zone to show the music world that composing a lengthy majestic piece of art is something he has been building toward the entire EP and it works on every level. | ” |
"[12]
Freitas also stated that some songs didn't work as well as others, but overall the effort was an enjoyable listen.[12]
Before the release of the EP, the title track[15] was regarded as a highly accessible and radio-friendly track. Jonathan Frahm of PopMatters stated,
| “ | "In a sense, Bradford represents the raw essentials of rock that have been lost somewhere in its deepest cockles, amongst the heavy mist of pop-produced anthems that pervade the market in its current state, but with a thinker’s cap atop his head all the same. Elemental Evolution is said to be a concept album, one that Bradford has stated as “all of us”." | ” |
Personnel
Primary musicians
- D. S. Bradford: Vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, bass, drums, keyboards
Production
- Recorded, mixed, and engineered by D. S. Bradford
- Mastered by Lurssen Mastering
References
- ↑ All Music Guide (August 5, 2016). "D. S. Bradford Release: Elemental Evolution – AllMusic.com". Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Dolan, Shelagh (August 9, 2016). "D.S. Bradford Drops Daring Debut". Retrieved August 18, 2016.
- 1 2 Discogs.com (August 5, 2016). "D. S. Bradford Discography: Elemental Evolution (genre)". Retrieved August 18, 2016.
- 1 2 3 "D. S. Bradford Elemental Evolution on iTunes". August 5, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- ↑ Mohler, Jordan (August 12, 2016). "Unsigned Spotlight: D.S. Bradford". Retrieved August 18, 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Richardson, Marisol (August 8, 2016). "D. S. BRADFORD NEW EP: ELEMENTAL EVOLUTION is OUT NOW! Check out a Track By Track of the new EP". Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ↑ Bannigan, Flo (January 21, 2016). "David Bradford - "Elemental Evolution"". Retrieved August 19, 2016.
- ↑ Longo, Gerard (February 18, 2016). "QSLehighValley- Feb 18, 2016 (Interview with D.S. Bradford)". Retrieved August 18, 2016.
- ↑ K, David (July 25, 2016). "D. S. Bradford To Release 'Elemental Evolution'". Retrieved August 18, 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 Longo, Gerard (July 30, 2016). "Review: D.S. Bradford – Elemental Evolution". Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ↑ "Elemental Evolution – D. S. Bradford". Allmusic. January 8, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- 1 2 3 Freitas, Rachel (August 17, 2016). "EP Review. D.S. Bradford: Elemental Evolution". Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- 1 2 Frahm, Jonathan (January 29, 2016). "D. S. Bradford "Elemental Evolution" (Audio)(Premiere)". PopMatters.com. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
- ↑ Face The Noise (August 4, 2016). "D. S. Bradford – Elemental Evolution Exclusive Premiere". Retrieved August 18, 2016.
- ↑ iTunes (January 8, 2016). "D. S. Bradford "Elemental Evolution" Release on iTunes". Apple. Retrieved July 31, 2016.