Evidence of a Struggle – Eddy Derecho
Eddy Derecho, Evidence of a Struggle’s debut album, is a dark, heavy explorastion of psychological anxiety modern isolation, and the unseen powers that operate beneath the surface of our lives. The record, led by W.P.C. Simmons V (Rev. Billy Simmons) and supported by a strong rhythm section consisting of Matt Walker (Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey), Alan Berliant, and Solomon Walker, presents a complicated, sophisticated, and extremely enthusiastic sound. Eddy Derecho’s sound has roots in the sludgy attitude of Queens of the Stone Age and filled with the ghost of Ozzy Osbourne’s inspired vocal lines. The album avoids vintage reproduction by combining modern compositions and a production technique that rewards paying close attention. “The Whale” is the most powerful and crucial moment on the album, combining the mental and audio force of the entire record. The lyrics sound like a psychological mystery, with lines like “It’s a leviathan / Going down so deep / Swimming underneath us all / It never goes to sleep.” This refrain recalls a primeval fear of the unknown, which could be a symbolic monster, addiction, trauma, or inner demons that refuse to let go. Simmons delivers the lines with a dark proximity, his voice changing between warmth and danger, giving the music the feeling of both a lullaby and a warning. Musically, “The Whale” stands out for its heaviness, not just in distortion or volume, but also in its psychological impact. The groove is systematic and “harmful,” reminding of the “leviathan” described in the lyrics. There’s a cinematic sense of dread, the kind that gently pulls you under rather than striking you directly. Elsewhere on the record, songs move between hypnotic, fuzzy riffs and sophisticated parts that show something more layered than typical stoner rock. Eddy Derecho doesn’t try to amaze you with flashy guitar solos; instead, it draws you in, wraps you with dark strength, and confronts you with dark intentions.
Photo Credit: photo by Jeremy Glickstein
https://evidenceofastruggle.bandcamp.com
