Laura Evans returns with a second album as good as the first. If ‘State of Mind’ was a revelation then ‘Out of the Dark’ cements her reputation. That signature Blues/Rock sound once again echoing from the speakers with anthemic precision.
‘Wherever You Are’ begins an album that is heavy on the beat. Expressing with intent here the raucous river of love that chases us down. There are echoes of ‘River Deep Mountain High’ in its chorus which flood the room with good vibes. One of many moments to get lost in the rhythm of this album. ‘Superman’ has perhaps the most notable kickdrum sound, accenting a narrative that subverts the romantic ideal. No male saviour required here; even as the possibility of love for a “superhero without the ego” remains.
‘ATM’ displays a tasty attitude complemented by a variety of vocal sounds. It follows the insertion of pop elements into ‘Honest’ which supplement well the decisiveness of an electro-led riff. This reflects another layer in Evans’ repertoire that began coming through in her last record ‘What I’m Made Of’. The two bluesier numbers from that EP – namely the title track and ‘Heartbreaker’ – making up the middle pages of this latest album whose second half then flicks back to her Country roots.
‘Just a Little Bit More’ touches at the edges of a modern country ballad. Introducing some lovely bits of piano which then feature more prominently in ‘Always and Forever’. The effect being to ring out like wedding bells the message of a song that reflects the vows made in marriage. This is then underlined in Swiftian fashion. ‘I’ll be the One’ sparkling with the kind of acoustic simplicity of which Taylor would be proud. ‘Out of the Dark’ then offers up as a short companion piece to this most magical of tracks before the album closes with ‘Hear Me Out’. A track built on Southern grit and Welsh persistence.
Just when you think you know where Laura Evans is heading, this singer-songwriter from the Valleys throws a curveball. Her signature blues played upon but not pressed into so much that she loses her original country sound. In fact, she returns to it far more than expected here. Injecting the odd bit of pop to ultimately support the songwriting which has always been her strength. Every track on ‘Out of the Dark’ self-penned in collaboration with another. Bolstering further her growing reputation.
You can purchase ‘Out of the Dark’ from Laura’s official store via her website here. It will be available to listen to on streaming platforms from October 24th 2025.
Featured Image (C) Laura Evans
desperatelylostcity.com 