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Single Review: Savarre “Art of the Bleed”
By Clay Burton
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Savarre’s track “Art of the Bleed” continues singer/songwriter, novelist, and playwright Shannon Denise Evans’ inexorable rise from the fringes of the indie music world to a respected and popular all-around artist. The single bristles with the same combustible array of influences, Queens of the Stone Age, Evanescence, Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac, and St. Vincent, among others. It’s a unique stew of echoes reverberating through this song, but Savarre translates these voices into something uniquely its own.
“Art of the Bleed” opens with an extended introduction reliant on atmospherics and quasi-slide guitar adornments that seem to waft through the arrangement. It soon settles into a cool ballad terrain dominated by the power and soul of Evans’ voice. The theatrical qualities are undeniable but never overstated.
Evans and her cohorts build this song in such a way that its airy expansiveness works in its favor. “Art of the Bleed” works for many reasons, but the sense of anticipation is vital throughout the song. You never quite know what direction Savarre will take the performance, but it is never disconcerting. Evans’ creative discipline never over-extends the track and emphasizes the passages listeners will latch onto above all else. There’s never any doubt she remains faithful to her vision and invites us along for the ride.It’s a glorious trip.
Savarre has a wildly versatile vocal instrument; it’s capable of convincing lower register contributions as well as soaring highs. Evans gives “Art of the Bleed” a sense of stakes. She’s singing for her life here, leaving it all on the studio floor, but her control never allows the vocal to become overwrought. She doesn’t attempt to dominate the song. Instead, Evans works hard incorporating herself into the overall arrangement. Savarre is clearly intended as a band project rather than a glorified solo vehicle.
The production is superb. “Art of the Bleed” does not utilize a bevy of instruments, so the production and mixing demands aren’t heavy but, nonetheless, Savarre frames the single in a very cinematic way. Songs as mind-movie isn’t a new phenomenon. Those sorts of songs aren’t nearly as plentiful as they once were, but Evans doesn’t swear allegiance to any era. Her loyalties are to music.Its soulful attributes shouldn’t be ignored. The aforementioned versatility of Evans’ voice gives Savarre the artistic license to explore whatever form they like. She can sing anything. Her willingness to draw from an eclectic blend of the past, present, and personal sets her apart from the pack and gives her the necessary staying power to weather the culture’s changing tastes.
“Art of the Bleed” will appeal to a broad array of music fans, rock and otherwise, but there’s no question those with an appreciation for darker themes will gravitate to Savarre’s music. This single will check off all their boxes.