Album Review: Even In Blackouts – The Princess Foretold By Her Henchmen, Even

After Screeching Weasel broke up way back in 2002 founding member John ‘Jughead’ Pierson formed Even In Blackouts as an “acoustic pop punk” band, but don’t let that put you off as there is so much more to them than that description indicates. Over the years they have released four full lengths, all of which were only ever released on CD, now with The Princess Foretold By Her Henchmen, Even they have released their vinyl debut. The remastered album compiles sixteen of the band’s favorite songs culled from all four of their albums, and it is now available via Stardumb Records on both black and limited ‘clear as glass’ vinyl.

I’ll admit to my shame that I haven’t encountered Even In Blackouts before today, so what is essentially a best of compilation would seem to be the perfect place to start. From the off what is clear is that this is not a band that is just rehashing and reheating their former glories, from the opening Missing Manifesto this is gloriously and unashamedly acoustic pop tinged punk. Despite the obvious lack of amplified decibels Even In Blackouts capture a stripped down and unplugged punk essence that is captivating, tracks like Summer Comes, I Took A Weight Off, Motives Misunderstood In The Key Of C and Catacombs have made me kick myself for not having encountered Even In Blackouts before now

Aside from the annoying album title I find it hard to fault The Princess Foretold By Her Henchmen, Even, I can’t comment on whether the remastering is factor that makes this retrospective a worthwhile purchase for die hard fans having not heard the original recordings, but I can say that the production sounds crystal clear, balanced and suits the material perfectly. If, like me, Even In Blackouts have passed you by, and providing you still own a turntable, this is a perfect starting point.

The Princess Foretold By Her Henchmen, Even can be purchased here