This latest effort might represent a small progression, but it’s far from an evolution.
Evolve feels very much like the digital Zeitgeist of 2017: good intentions aside, its bold, colorful textures elbow aside any notions of introspection or reflection.
There’s not enough quality across the whole of Evolve to convincingly make the case that Imagine Dragons actually have, or to attract an audience of new listeners.
Evolve involves mostly devolving back into the hoariest of tired rock cliches (including what sounds like roto-toms), and plodding grimly towards the summer’s festivals.
Evolve sounds, almost impressively so, as though it’s been created with telly music coordinators in mind – and few others besides.