Sophie Allison, better known as Soccer Mommy, returns with Evergreen, a deeply personal exploration of change, loss, and finding clarity. Following the genre-bending layers of Sometimes, Forever, Evergreen roots itself in Allison’s early DIY spirit but adds a cinematic richness that captures moments with vivid sincerity.
Opening with “Lost,” the album sets a contemplative mood through an acoustic arrangement that’s both delicate and resolute. Allison’s voice, clear and introspective, carries the song’s balance of melancholy and cautious hope, while the subtle blend of guitars and strings underscores her reflective lyrics. This opener captures Evergreen’s approach: painting unguarded snapshots of life’s rawest emotions.
Themes of nostalgia and change unfold across the album, particularly in tracks like “Some Sunny Day” and “Dreaming of Falling.” In “Some Sunny Day,” there’s a sense of optimism as Allison searches for connection amid the haze of grief, while “Dreaming of Falling” looks into how everyday moments can trigger deeper emotions and memories.
Allison’s growth shines through the album’s lush sounds, thanks to the collaboration with producer Ben H. Allen III. His work alongside Allison breathes life into the mix, incorporating flutes, strings, and intricate acoustic textures that bring the songs to a new dimension. Tracks like “M” blend heartache with sonic depth, allowing each sound to carry its own emotional weight.
“Salt in Wound” stands as the album’s emotional core, capturing the push and pull of moving forward while holding on. “Driver” offers a lighter, self-aware touch, bringing humour to the otherwise contemplative album.
Closing with the title track, “Evergreen” brings together the album’s themes with a sense of resilience. It’s a final tribute to memories and the people who remain significant even after they’re gone. It’s a fitting end, embracing Allison’s journey through hardship while holding on to the things that stay with us through life’s changes. Evergreen offers a thoughtful, intimate look into Allison’s evolution as both an artist and a person, distilling her journey into a sound that’s familiar yet strikingly fresh.
