Everyone Says Hi at the Jacaranda

On Sunday the 11th of October, I headed down to the Jacaranda to attend a record store show by Everyone Says Hi. The latest project by ex-Kaiser Chiefs drummer Nick Hodgson, Everyone Says Hi released their self titled debut album last year. Now they’re back with their second record ‘Funny Cos It’s True’ which came out last Friday. It is hard to believe that they’ve only been on the scene for two and a half years, but their expertise for previous projects absolutely shines through.

Their new album ‘Funny Cos It’s True’ is excellent. With an overriding 70s Soft Rock feel, there’s something in there for everyone. It works as a collective piece, but the individual tracks stand out on their own. The entire thing was recorded at Hodgson’s home studio and was also produced by him. I think it is an absolute must listen.

The show at the Jacaranda, as well as the whole record store tour. was actually due to take place last month. Unfortunately Hodgson had to undergo vocal surgery to remove a polyp at the start of July. This set the tour back by a few weeks, but fortunately the record still gets the treatment it deserves by being played live. Other than one ‘Bob Dylan moment’, to an outsider you could not tell there were any vocal issues.

The band performed 5 tracks. 4 from the new album, and their debut single Brain Freeze. The stand out track for me was ‘Don’t Underestimate Yourself’. It has a really strong sound, and its lyrics have a beautifully positive message without feeling saccharine. It doesn’t have the cliches of a ‘motivational song’ but it packs a powerful punch. This lyricism is also found in ‘Real Friends’ which sounded great live.

Going to a concert on a Sunday evening might not be for everyone, but I found the show really was the perfect ‘Sunday’ concert. It was laid back and just had a really nice vibe to it. The crowd were all very friendly (as most Liverpool Crowds are), and everyone was happy to find their space and listen to the music. I had a really enjoyable time heading down on my own and having some nice chats with other concert goers.

After the gig, the band were kind enough to take some time to speak with me despite getting up first thing in the morning to perform on Sunday Brunch. If you’d like to hear the inspirations behind the album, their favourite tracks and what its like to play in Liverpool then check out the Liverpool Guild Student Media instagram where we will be sharing their answers.

Everyone Says Hi are going from strength to strength with their latest album, and I’m excited to see what they do next. I will definitely seek them out at future headline gigs or on festival line ups.

‘Funny Cos It’s True’ is available to stream here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7dpPXisdguzPyCA8ky5Fkc

You can follow the band on Instagram @everyone_says_hi_

For more music, please click here: https://www.liverpoolguildstudentmedia.co.uk/category/music/