Transmission 1
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The Listening It's tough for me to review EP's since I usually never buy them for their lack of substance. However, when one of my favorite bands hasn't released any new material in close to 4 years I tend to get giddy...
Dreamer
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Haste The Day Every now and then an album comes along that is so surprisingly addictive you just don't know what to do. That moment came for me with Dreamer from Haste the Day. I really wasn't expecting much...
Southern Hospitality
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Disciple Disciple have decided to tweak their sound yet again. The question is, was it for the better? Well that depends what you like best about the brand of hard rock they bring to the table. In their self-titled...
Lamps | Posted March-17-2008
I'll admit it. This is a band I forced myself to like. How does that work? Well, initially upon hearing a few songs off the album before it came out I thought it was generic, nothing special. I just figured it'd be another pop band on the radio that was mediocre at best. But alas, like all great music, it took time to grow on me. I don't know why, but I kept going back to listen to those 3-4 songs and each time I liked it more and more. And then I found myself wanting to hear them in my car where it wasn't possible and I KNEW I had to take a chance and buy the CD based on those songs I'd heard. Seeing the music video for their first single, 'We All Need' made everything click too, for some reason. Beats me since the video doesn't make any sense and it's nothing special.
So I went out and bought the CD for $8 and yeah, I was very wrong. It's not mediocre or generic. The lyrics are fantastic and faith-filled; covering topics standard for popular Christian music yet somehow they are different. I really think it may just be the delivery the vocalist uses. At times he's whiny, the song 'Faster, Faster' comes to mind (though a great upbeat song worthy of it's title), but he really has a great knack for vocal hooks. His voice is high and quite unique but when he goes to the deeper part of his voice he reminds me of the lead singer of Anberlin.
This whole album is also extremely uplifting. In part because of the lyrics, but it's just the spirit of the music. I feel if a Christian CD is depressing or oppressive it's missing what one of the main things that is Christ-like. Sure, nothing is always hunky dory in our lives but something oppressive has a negative affect on our spirit. Not here. It's upbeat and catchy. The music also seems surprisingly mature for a debut album and well-crafted. The production is top notch and everyone seems to be on the same page. They may not take any risks as far as song structure goes, yet the songs stand apart very well on their own.
Overall, I must say that this album also had to grow on me in order to get a feel for each song. That doesn't mean the music is overly complex. It's quite the simple pop music and I think that's really what makes it work so well. They seem to know what they excel at and that's what their focus was. It couldn't have worked out better either.
Gems of this album are: 'Emptiness', 'Like the Rain', 'We All Need', 'This Mystery'
Cities | Posted March-14-2008
Here's another band whose sound isn't normally in line with my tastes. The vocals are high-pitched and very 'whiny' sounding, but the music is a barrage of many styles coming together as one. The lyrics are very cryptic, but you can see the Christian message if you think hard enough about it. That isn't so much of a plus in my book since I'm not the type that feels a whole album (after album) of relationship songs is necessary but that's not all it is. The pace of the album is a quick one with a few slow songs like 'The Unwinding Cable Car' or the cynical closer 'Fin' used sparingly. As a result, the songs can tend to run into themselves if the listener isn't giving their full attention. Every track has some sort of a vocal hook in the chorus or catchy beat to stick in your head. The keyboards also seem to have a stronger presence here than in albums past. All in all, this feels like a very solid piece of art that they pulled together for a very important third album. The question is, with jumping to a major label, do they further stray away from any Christian roots to appeal to the masses more? Time will tell. For now this album is the best they've put out.
Gems of this album are: 'Dismantle.Repair.', 'Godspeed', 'Inevitable', 'The Unwinding Cable Car'
? | Posted July-29-2008
Now this is a real progressive album through and through. Even better it's a concept album more or less about the 'Tabernacle of God' and also how it's sometimes better to ask questions and find God on our own as opposed to simply being told. Spread throughout this album are ripping guitar solos, amazing drum work courtesy Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, synthesizers, mellotrons and of course fantastic and deep lyrics by Neal Morse. A lot of secular progressive bands wish they were this deep in their delivery of a concept. Also, unlike some pieces of art by those bands this one doesn't drag on forever. It weighs in just under an hour but feels every bit as complete and that's actually the perfect length for a progressive rock album. Some songs have lengthy jam moments but they seem to change at the right moment before droning on for too long. Their sound is very reminiscent of bands like Genesis (with Steve Hackett busting out a slick solo in a song) and Yes. The only thing I don't like about ? is how it makes me want more excellent Christian progressive music and there simply isn't much out there.
Gems of this album are: 'In the Fire', 'Solid as the Sun', 'Inside His Presence'
Sola Scriptura | Posted June-18-2008 Sola Scriptura is a true blue concept album and easily controversial to some. Neal Morse delivers very cynical and poignant lyrics centering around Martin Luther and his stand against the religious Catholic church. Really, what Morse is looking for is the listener to open their ears and heart to make sure we aren't more focused on traditions of religion as opposed to God. One thing is for sure, Morse did his research and if it offends people maybe they should look into the history of the Catholic church and come to a conclusion themselves instead of someone creating one for them. For those who'd think the lyrics are preachy, keep in mind he's singing from peoples points of view back in that time period, not necessarily his own. Outside of the subject matter the music is equally mind-blowing. Portnoy, of course, is not even human on those drums. He is just insane and the guitar work by Morse and Gilbert are fantastic. Since this album works as one piece of art there are only 4 tracks, the first two of which are 25+ minutes long.
The second track, 'The Conflict' is easily my favorite. It starts off with heavy metal riffs and then Morse compliments that with some serious wailing that remind me of Layne Staley. So what's keeping this from being rated higher? The CD rings in at 75+ minutes and it feels every bit as long, if not longer. Some of the songs just seem to meader on and on with no clear direction. That's what progressive rock is all about you say? Not so, that's just how it feels when it isn't done to perfection. He nailed it on ? but here the songs go off the deep end occasionally. Still, this is a very strong release and one of my favorites.
Gems of this album are: 'The Door', 'The Conflict'
Comatose | Posted March-11-2008
From the opening riff on Rebirthing I could tell I was in for a treat. Forget that it's lifted from Led Zeppelin's 'Kashmir', that part disappears after the first 15 seconds and is followed by a great hard rockin' song complete with female vocals and beautiful string arrangements. You can tell Skillet are reaching a new level right off the bat, something they seem very strong at doing from album to album. There's great vocal hooks in most every song that not only catch your attention but manage to keep as the song progresses. Here on Comatose you see a stronger focus on the vocals of the lead singer's wife and fellow guitarist, Korey Cooper. She has a nice angelic voice but it has an edge on it to go with the songs so it doesn't feel out of place. A good example of that where she really shines is on 'The Last Night' and it sort of gives the impression that the song is sung from a female perspective when she pipes in on the verses. Honestly I think that's a fantastic idea because it can draw female listeners and give them something to relate to in a genre that's male dominated.
Something else that's more of a focus is the use of string instruments to either set up a song, as with 'The Last Night' or 'Comatose', or to give an extra texture and layer to songs ('Yours to Hold') as is the case with most all of them. The use of the piano also helps set moods in songs or give an atmosphere beyond just rocking your brain until it hurts. For Christian Rock, a genre that fights with a reputation of being generic music, I find Skillet to be very refreshing. The production is top notch and it avoids being too shiny or plastic and an effect used on the vocals in my personal favorite, 'Whispers in the Dark', really helped make the song stand out.
A down side is the few ballads on here that seem repetitive or generic. 'Say Goodbye' is one I especially don't care for with it's cheesy breakup song style lyrics. I normally like it when CD's have some slower tunes to breakup the heavier stuff but on this CD they do just the opposite and bog it down too much. For example, you have the heavy riff soaked 'Better Than Drugs' with a knee buckling guitar solo followed by another catchy rock song 'Comatose' that gets your blood pumping before you're thrown into a coma with 'The Older I Get' and 'Those Nights'. Speaking of guitar solos though, there's a few on this album and they never overdo them. Sometimes bands seem to throw in solos for the sake of having one instead of feeling if a song needs one. The ones Skillet do have, particularly in 'Whispers in the Dark', are phenominal and all have a different sound to them. That one almost hints at power metal while others may be more melodic or sweeping as in 'Falling Inside the Black'.
The lyrics here are a bit more open for Christian music in that they can be taken a few ways. At least some of the songs are like that but others have clear messages alluding to God. The last song, 'Looking for Angels', is the most unique thing I've heard them do and nothing like anything else on the album. John Cooper 'talks' the lyrics instead of singing them and aside from being a powerful message to any teenager or young adult, there's a sense of urgency in his voice. I wasn't sure what to think of it at first but the song quickly grew on me and it really is a great way to end the album.
Overall, it's easy to see I'm quite pleased with this album and it's Skillets best. They've gotten better over time as they've changed their sounds and I wonder if they will ever create a true classic album. I'm optimistic but they have to shake some of those cheesy ballads and keep working on those strings first.
Gems of this album are: 'Whispers in the Dark', 'Comatose', 'The Last Night', 'Falling Inside the Black', 'Better Than Drugs'
We Need Each Other | Posted July-29-2008
Sanctus Real is yet another band I joined in late with their latest album. I'll admit, their single 'We Need Each Other' got ahold of me and wouldn't let go. It's so anthemic and catchy that I couldn't resist turning up the volume and with the "Oh Oooh we need each other" part in the chorus I could picture being at a concert and the whole crowd joining in joyfully. It's made to be played in an arena, that's for sure and a few other songs like 'Turn On The Lights' and 'Sing' are too. The former is a heavy rocker with a fantastic guitar riff and where Matt Hammitt's vocals soar, showing his impressive range. Unfortunately he doesn't show it off all that often as he's a bit lower key through the rest of the album but he still does a great job. 'Sing' is a top-notch worship song that boldy states 'One church under one King', and make no mistake, it's a fast-paced worship song that doesn't sound like a knockoff.
I can really connect to the lyrics on this album and I'm glad they aren't afraid to show their faith. 'Leap of Faith', in particular, I can relate to with it's talk about failing in your mind before you even try and being stuck in the same place, needing to take a leap of faith. Really, if it wasn't for the lyrics and great anthems this album would feel like any other Christian Rock band. The album also goes slow after 'Lay Down My Guns', a song for not only soldiers but anyone fighting with situations in life. 'Legacy' is a decent rocker to close the album but not very memorable. The bonus track, 'Hero', that is a free download upon buying the album should've been added at the end to close it out instead. I can't help but feel this album could've been more with better planning of the tracklist and the addition of the extra track but it's still a powerful rock album that will be one of my favorites for what it does have. It hasn't done so well the longer I have it though as it doesn't have much to come back to once the hooks wear off.
Gems of this album are: 'We Need Each Other', 'Turn On The Lights', 'Sing', 'Leap of Faith'
Opposite Way | Posted March-11-2008
Promising band starts out with amazingly young group, lead singer is 18 when he writes his first tune, put out impressive debut that goes outside the boundries of Christian music, band gets big, band follows up with....crappy sophomore effort? Yikes, and they showed so much promise too. Gone are the epic pop pieces with unique song structure. Instead they made music that's 'safe' for the radio.
Oh it's not all bad, I suppose. The first single, 'Count Me In' is great fun and was a blast when they introduced it live. The crowd was into it, I was rocking out, entirely sure that their album would follow suit, but that was months ago. Then comes two songs of filler before the title track comes in and blows me away. Maybe the best song they've done aside from Tears of the Saints, what with it's brooding music and poignant lyrics about it being alright to go the other way and not follow the trend being set by society. After that is the ever boring 'Wake Up' that does nothing for me. Just another standard rock track with nothing to offer. 'Beginning and the End' is the last track on the album that is any good and it is, indeed, amazing. I guess it's just how Leeland sings the lyrics that make the song so catchy and irresistable. Ok, so we are 6 songs in and that's where the good stops, you ask? Pretty much. 'Thief in the Night' is alright at the end but it takes too long to get to the goods.
What we have here is the very definition of 'sophomore slump'. If you ask me, maybe they should've taken more time to craft the songs than a year and a half for this album. It could've been something good with more time but instead seems to be made to appeal to the masses, which will probably lap it up. The lyrics were very spiritual as always but come on! I want a challenge in my listening experience! I won't give up on them yet but they have a lot of work to do to win me back entirely with the third album.
Gems of this album are: 'Count Me In', 'Beginning and the End', 'Opposite Way'
The Listening | Posted March-19-2008
No words can describe what I truly feel about this album...ok you got me. I wouldn't be writing a review if I didn't have SOME words. Forget everything you think you know about Christian music regardless of whether you enjoy it or hate it. These guys don't have any sort of cliche messages and though the lyrics do express their faith, they are far from preachy. Think more along the lines of Starflyer 59 I guess only not as far out there. The Listening sound like no other Christian band I know and chances are they are the best band you've never heard of. That's not to say they don't have influences because they do. I'd say the best way to describe their sound is a cross between Radiohead's somber nature (though no depressing feelings here thank goodness) and Porcupine Tree's atmosphere. That also means that yes, The Listening are progressive and one of the very few Christian entries into that genre. Seeing as that's one of my favorite genres this is like a match made in heaven. I can also say this is easily the most talented Christian band I've heard and the best in terms of producing a piece of art instead of an album of singles.
The album starts off very strong with the melodic 'Glory of the Feared' and the impressively atmospheric 'Triple Fascination'. The latter of which reminds me very much of Porcupine Tree and that's a very good thing in my case. They aren't as heavy as PT but just have that feel of a beautifully crafted sound produced to create a feeling unique to each song. I guess it's hard for me to put into words but if you've heard PT you'll likely know what I mean. There are many electronic beeps and boops laced in the songs that remind me of Kid A/Amnesiac era Radiohead, just not as overdone. By that I mean the guitars have a very strong presence and aren't completely forgotten as with those albums. Here the guitarist is amazing and aside from some extremely catchy riffs throughout the album there are also some well-placed blistering solos that add to the mood of the song. They don't overuse them or the other sounds which makes for a wonderfully crafted debut album. I mentioned before the somber mood and make no mistake, this music isn't depressing like their secular counterparts. It's not happy-go-lucky either since it deals with some serious issues but when its over you don't feel emotionally drained.
The vocals do remind me a bit of Thom Yorke and also Jason Martin from Starflyer 59 but they are not annoying or whiny by any means. Instead they are delivered clearly and strongly with melodic hooks to tie the listener in and keep the lyrics spinning in their head long after the album has stopped spinning. So are there any weak points, you ask? Not in the least. All the songs sound unique to each other aside from the vocals which are strong enough to begin with and the hooks keep them fresh. Most of the songs push the 5+ minute mark but not much beyond that and they never drag on or bog down the album as a whole. The track listing is perfect too with interludes used at the best times to break up the music. I suppose the only mark against this album is if they included the 3 tracks on the bonus CD to the original package it would've been even better. This band has a very bright future and I only hope they get to be heard by a lot more people. Go into it with an open mind and I guarantee you'll at least like it if not be very impressed.
Ok...so I had a lot of words...
Gems of this album are: 'Triple Fascination', 'The Factory', 'Hosea In C Minor', 'Are We Listening?' and the rest of the album.
If there's one word to describe the songs and the vocalists it's variety. As I keep spinning through this album (which believe me, is happening a lot), I hear at least 3 or 4 different vocal styles. There's two Josh's that sing in this band and I don't know which is which. All I know is one has a deeper sound and the other has a higher voice that remind me of Cedric from The Mars Volta or Gavin from Dredg, as in 'Cold Condition'. In the first song, 'Let Go', both of them combine to create a great contrast in styles as they are backed periodically by shouts. This happens often and it works very well to keep from losing the listeners attention. Some bands are plagued by a vocalist who has no variety in his voice to make songs sound unique from each other. So why not have two that [i]have[/i] variety?
The music is very upbeat but not immediately accessible. It took some time to grow on me since it's not all poppy choruses as much as a work of art that needs many listens to fully grasp all the instruments and harmonies. Those include many string arrangements and horns for good measure. For that reason you can't just listen to it once or twice and judge it. 'Chances' is one of the few tracks that is slower and has a nice touch of trumpets to change things up from the typical ballad and sets a melancholic mood. The drums are another thing that have a strong presence on this album. It's not like the drummer is an animal, but the production is great to help drive the songs and he seems to have a great chemistry with the band. Everything just builds up to a nice climax in the songs and I can't help but get an epic vibe out of a few as in 'All Our Memories' and 'See Me Through'. The latter of which has an awesome climax where the vocals build up before they soar with the guitars and backing vocals kick in. And speaking of epic, the closer title track is a doozy. There was no better way to close out this album. If the tracklisting was any different I'd have to think [I]Time Is Fiction[/I] just wouldn't feel as complete so props to Edison Glass for that.
This is the type of album that has staying power and I don't doubt it'll be one of the best of '08 when it's all said and done. If you give Edison Glass a chance just be sure you give them a few chances and don't just write them off on the first listen. This is a band that knows how to create a true album that works best as a whole as opposed to a few hit singles with filler.
Gems of this album are: 'Cold Condition', 'See Me Through', 'Time Is Fiction', 'All Our Memories'
Never Going Back to OK | Posted July-29-2008
This was my first introduction to The Afters and it sure was a good way to start. The title track single is what convinced me to buy this album and I'm not disappointed. It starts off witht he Beatles-esque 'The Secret Parade' with great harmonies and sweeping music to make a great intro. My only problem with it is it's way too short. They could've carried it on for another minute and a half at least and made possibly the best song on the album. Instead it just leads into the very upbeat title track filled with catchy vocal hooks and a fantastic beat enough to make you dance. There are a few other similar tracks on the album like 'Tonight', 'Myspace Girl' (overly poppy as you'd expect but a true story about their former bass player falling in love, pretty funny song), and 'We Are the Sound' (interesting vocal affects). I kind of wish they had a few more of those upbeat tracks though because the album bogs down at the end. It softens up a little too much and loses me around the generic 'Forty-Two' and I can't help but feel I've heard the ballad 'Summer Again' before. Starting off strong and finishing weak seems to be a recent trend and I can't say I like it one bit. When will bands learn that an album needs to finish off strong to stay in the listeners mind? Finishing it up with 3 or 4 slower songs does not a great album make.
Gems of this album are: 'Never Going Back to OK', 'Tonight', 'We Are the Sound'
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