Artist: Lifehouse
Label: Geffen Records
Length: 12 Songs, 45minutes, 24 seconds
Release Date: March 2, 2009
Lifehouse has passed the test of time with a distinctive sound and ever-growing popularity spanning over ten years. Accomplished with lyrics relating to personal issues and relational problems which bridge the gap from secular to Christian, Lifehouse has found a home in this popular cross over niche providing wide appeal to a varying audience. Highlighted by another change in band members, guitarist Ben Carey on guitar and backing vocals joins Bryce Soderberg on bass and founding members Jason Wade lead vocals, guitar, and drummer Ricky Woolstenhulme Jr, the band moves toward a more polished pop-oriented sound on their fifth album Smoke and Mirrors.
Most songs are flavored by Jason Wade’s signature voice with many having keyboards, Hammond organ, and synth in the background providing a more well rounded and mature sound. Lead song “All In” has the classic Lifehouse sound while “Nerve Damage” provides a new sound beginning as a slow ballad and progressing with hot breaks and blazing rhythm followed by smooth, soft lyrical passages. With a personal message, this is a mood setter emotionally ranging from sad realities to angst highlighted by a smooth blues guitar solo showing a new dimension. Chris Daughtry co-wrote and provides harmony on “Had Enough”, relating a relationship in need of a new beginning. “Smoke & Mirrors” is the albums anthem with great guitar interplay and solid drum foundation. Classic ‘Lifehouse’ rocker “Wrecking Ball” showcases bassist Soderberg's first lead vocal with the band. “Here Tomorrow Gone Today” changes up from lyrics based on relational issues to a justice-based, anti-war lyric.
Smoke and Mirrors is well crafted with an intention to move to more of a radio-ready sound while still resonating with classic Lifehouse rock. While this is a solid effort to continue a long string of very successful efforts, we are waiting for another breakout in the footprint of “Stanley Climbfall”.
http://www.lifehousemusic.com/
Label: Geffen Records
Length: 12 Songs, 45minutes, 24 seconds
Release Date: March 2, 2009
Lifehouse has passed the test of time with a distinctive sound and ever-growing popularity spanning over ten years. Accomplished with lyrics relating to personal issues and relational problems which bridge the gap from secular to Christian, Lifehouse has found a home in this popular cross over niche providing wide appeal to a varying audience. Highlighted by another change in band members, guitarist Ben Carey on guitar and backing vocals joins Bryce Soderberg on bass and founding members Jason Wade lead vocals, guitar, and drummer Ricky Woolstenhulme Jr, the band moves toward a more polished pop-oriented sound on their fifth album Smoke and Mirrors.
Most songs are flavored by Jason Wade’s signature voice with many having keyboards, Hammond organ, and synth in the background providing a more well rounded and mature sound. Lead song “All In” has the classic Lifehouse sound while “Nerve Damage” provides a new sound beginning as a slow ballad and progressing with hot breaks and blazing rhythm followed by smooth, soft lyrical passages. With a personal message, this is a mood setter emotionally ranging from sad realities to angst highlighted by a smooth blues guitar solo showing a new dimension. Chris Daughtry co-wrote and provides harmony on “Had Enough”, relating a relationship in need of a new beginning. “Smoke & Mirrors” is the albums anthem with great guitar interplay and solid drum foundation. Classic ‘Lifehouse’ rocker “Wrecking Ball” showcases bassist Soderberg's first lead vocal with the band. “Here Tomorrow Gone Today” changes up from lyrics based on relational issues to a justice-based, anti-war lyric.
Smoke and Mirrors is well crafted with an intention to move to more of a radio-ready sound while still resonating with classic Lifehouse rock. While this is a solid effort to continue a long string of very successful efforts, we are waiting for another breakout in the footprint of “Stanley Climbfall”.
http://www.lifehousemusic.com/
SS Mertens
No comments:
Post a Comment