No Introduction Needed After “Let Go” by Everest

Everest is a So Cal band made up of musical veterans that embrace a solid rock format, although for “Let Go” the group has also added some strings to the mix. It’s a lush sonic landscape with a hard-hitting rhythmic romp from a band only a few years old, yet clearly comprised of accomplished musicians. Frontman Russell Pollard played with Sebadoh, the Watson Twins, and the Folk Implosion, just to name a few. The group was tapped by Neil Young to tour with him in 2008 and two Everest CDs were released on his label, Vapor Records. These five guys are also a fave opening act of Minus the Bear as well as My Morning Jacket.

“Let Go” is the opening track of the band’s new release, On Approach. It was actually recorded at an old chicken ranch before the group completed the process in its studio in L.A. The video for the song begins with a nice little intro of the band tuning up in a studio. After some cooing vocals the lyrics begin with a simple yet sweet concern: “May I come in / My old friend / You’re looking thin / Do you feel alright?”

A split-screen device allows the viewer to see the band playing the song plus a narrative about a young woman on a road trip to the beach with an old man. The home movie feel in the filming echos the live, homegrown energy of the group. It’s always nice to see a band actually playing its instruments, and this cinematic approach allows that and more. During a live session on KCRW July 28th Everest began off with this kicker of a song, clearly marking this single as a great introduction.