In the Pink of Condition

Released in 2015 on Heavenly Recordings, 'In the Pink of Condition' represents the definitive statement of H. Hawkline's 'strange pop' aesthetic. Produced by long-time collaborator Cate Le Bon in Los Angeles, the album successfully marries the sun-bleached textures of the West Coast with the idiosyncratic, art-school sensibilities of the Welsh psych-folk scene. The record was a critical success, earning a nomination for the Welsh Music Prize and solidifying Evans' reputation as a master of the 'wonky' pop song. Sonically, the album is characterized by its dry, analog production and prominent, staccato guitar work that echoes the influence of Television and Pavement, yet filtered through a distinctly British folk-pop lens. Tracks like 'Isobelle' and 'Everybody's on the Line' showcase his ability to write hooks that feel both familiar and completely alien. The inclusion of the Welsh-language track 'Moddion' highlights his roots while the surrealist lyrics throughout the album suggest a deep engagement with the absurd.