Release Date: November 22, 2024
7 Tracks – 25 minutes, 47 seconds
STEREOPSYCHIC I by The Evan Williams Project feels like an adrenaline shot straight to the heart of heavy music. It’s an album that refuses to sit still, blending hard rock’s raw power with the sophisticated edges of progressive metal. From the first riff, it’s clear this isn’t just another rock EP—it’s an invitation to step into the band’s live-show world, where spontaneity and precision collide in thrilling ways.
This EP is for anyone who’s ever air-guitared to Iron Maiden, geeked out over Dream Theater’s technical wizardry, or found themselves headbanging to Mastodon grooves. But what sets STEREOPSYCHIC I apart is its refusal to fit into a box. It’s got the crushing riffs you’d expect from a heavy rock band, but it also takes bold, unexpected detours that show off the band’s playful and inventive side.
At its core, STEREOPSYCHIC I pays homage to heavy metal’s rebellious spirit. There’s a rawness to these tracks that brings to mind early Metallica or Megadeth, where the energy of the performance mattered more than perfect production. The decision to create a “live” studio album, with no overdubs or layers beyond what can be played in real-time, adds to this sense of authenticity. You can practically hear the amps buzzing and the sweat dripping in tracks like the opener, STEREOPSYCHIC I, which kicks things off with a relentless, galloping rhythm.
Drummer Launey McGowan’s playing is a standout throughout. It’s not just that her rhythms are tight—she hits with the kind of force that feels like John Bonham reincarnated. Tracks like “RIGHT THROUGH YOU” showcase her ability to balance precision with sheer power, making every beat feel monumental. Add in Scott McGowan’s gritty, thrash-inspired vocals, and you’ve got a ferocious and deeply emotional sound.
What’s even cooler is how the band injects its identity into the heavy metal framework. For example, Isaac Robinson’s piano work isn’t something you typically hear in this genre, but it fits perfectly. His solos are as vibey as they are technical, adding a layer of depth that reminds me of the way bands like Opeth use melody to contrast their heavier moments.
I think what makes STEREOPSYCHIC I resonate so deeply is its DIY ethos. This isn’t an EP that was polished in some high-tech studio—it was forged in the fire of late-night jam sessions, recorded on a shoestring budget after day jobs and gigs. That scrappy, do-it-yourself energy comes through in every note. It feels personal like you’re listening to a group of friends who are genuinely having the time of their lives making music.
It’s also a reminder of what heavy music is really about: connection. Sure, the riffs are loud and the solos are jaw-dropping, but what hits hardest is the feeling that this music was made to be shared. You can almost see the band on stage, feeding off the crowd’s energy as they pour everything they’ve got into each song.
As someone who grew up on heavy music—cutting my teeth on everything from Black Sabbath to System of a Down—this EP feels like a love letter to the genre’s roots, but with a fresh, modern twist. It’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking, which is no easy feat.
One of the boldest choices on the album is the inclusion of guest musicians. Elliot “The Grizzlyman” Letts brings a thunderous groove to the basslines, while Dan Janzen’s saxophone on the closing track is an inspired touch. I wasn’t expecting a sax solo on a heavy rock album, but it works beautifully, adding a playful, almost celebratory vibe to the EP’s finale. It’s like the band is reminding us that heavy music doesn’t always have to be so serious—it can be fun, too.
And then there’s “RIGHT THROUGH YOU,” the EP’s crown jewel. Starting in 13/8 time, it’s a masterclass in how to make complex music feel accessible. I couldn’t help but think of Tool’s Lateralus when I first heard it—there’s that same sense of intricate musicianship paired with raw emotion. It’s a track that rewards close listening but still hits hard on a purely visceral level.
What I love most about STEREOPSYCHIC I is how it reminds me of why I fell in love with music in the first place. It’s unfiltered, loud, and brimming with personality. There’s something magical about hearing a band that’s clearly doing this because they love it, not because they’re chasing trends or trying to impress anyone.
For me, this EP feels like discovering a hidden gem in the local scene—a band that’s making music for the sheer joy of it. It’s the kind of release that makes you want to grab your friends, pile into a car, and head to the nearest dive bar just to see them play live.
STEREOPSYCHIC I is a statement. It’s a reminder that heavy music can be technical without losing its soul, loud without losing its sense of fun. Whether you’re a die-hard metalhead or someone who just loves a good riff, this EP has something for you.
This is the kind of music that makes you want to turn the volume all the way up, bang your head, and maybe even pick up an instrument yourself. The Evan Williams Project are creating moments, and I, for one, can’t wait to see where they take us next.
