ROAR: Owen Evans’ Project
Let’s take it back to the start, shall we? Before the release of his project ROAR, Evans was a member of his former Phoenix-based band Asleep in the Sea. Debuting in 2004, members Tom Filardo and Eli Kuner played along with Evans until their untimely disbandment in 2007.
As a result of these series of events, Evans took a very cautious approach re-entering the music scene in 2010 with his ROAR debut record I Can’t Handle Change. The title itself as well as the cover art and track list is a representation of his response to his ex-band’s demise. Throughout the album he openly expresses his fear of change, collaboration, separation, and losing the work that he puts into his songwriting. This perhaps could be why he took an unaccompanied approach to producing and arranging his first solo album. By working in a solitary effort, he wouldn't have to worry about the fears he exhibits.
Not only did Evans work on I Can’t Handle Change independently, he also produced and arranged his sophomore album I’m Not Here to Make Friends by himself in 2012. He took his time with this four-song release — specifically over a year. However, his creative output made it so worth it according to the listeners. The multi-instrumentalist played almost all of the instruments used on the recordings, and the way he threw them together emitted a feeling of freneticism, obsession, and that of having borderline ADD. According to Really Records, the theme of the album touches upon many different topics such as “…cancer, alcoholism, dead parents, Freudian hang-ups, romantic inadequacies, LOL-speak, and cats. These common struggles aren’t outwardly talked about frequently by other artists, so in a way many people found Evans’ concept unique.
Since then Evans has released two more albums under ROAR. He released Impossible Animals in 2016, and Pathétique aesthétique in 2018. Overall, Evans discusses many uncomfortable topics in his music that is unfortunately relatable to many people. Everyone has their fears and anxieties, but it’s refreshing to see an artist tell a story about these said fears and anxieties throughout his music career. If you want to listen to more of ROAR’s music, click on the Spotify links below!
Reference: https://reallyrecords.com/002.html
