Evergreen is the fourth studio album by American indie rock singer-songwriter Sophie Allison, known under the moniker Soccer Mommy. It was released on October 25, 2024, through Loma Vista Recordings. It marks her first album produced by Ben H. Allen.
Composition
The album incorporates instruments such as synths, looping stations, flutes, strings, acoustic guitars and programming.[1] Allison said of the album's lyrics, "I think it tells a lot about a certain period of time for me. Compared to a lot of my other albums, it's less of a story. You know, it's less of a, I guess, journey from start to finish and more just kind of a lot of pieces put together."[2]
Background and recording
Evergreen was recorded at Maze Studios in Atlanta, Georgia with production handled by Ben H. Allen,[3] known for his work with Deerhunter, Animal Collective and Belle and Sebastian.[4] Following a period of "profound and personal loss", Allison was "opting for more organic production" to keep the songs "raw and relatable, unvarnished and honest".[5] As a result, the album features some of her "most vulnerable and honest" songwriting to date.[6]
The record was preceded by the singles "Lost" on June 6, 2024, a "painterly introduction" to the album,[7] "M" alongside the album announcement on August 1,[8] and the "light hearted" "love-song" "Driver" on September 10.[9] Allison previously performed songs off the album at a series of intimate shows in May and June 2024, including "Evergreen", "M", "Lost", "Salt in Wound" and "Driver".[10] The song "Abigail" is dedicated to the Stardew Valley character.[11]
Release
Allison announced the album on August 1, 2024. Accompanying the announcement was the release of the album's single "M".[12] Derrick Rossignol of Uproxx called the track "a sonic return to Soccer Mommy’s roots, but recast on a cinematic scale".[13]
