There Came A Lion

There Came a Lion

Ivoryline
Tooth & Nail Records
Release Date: February 5, 2008
Duration 11 tracks, 44:14

There Came A Lion represents Ivoryline’s first major release, which hit the streets in early February, 2008. This album fit the mold of power pop Christian rock of the time falling in with Storyside: B, Everyday Sunday, and Stellar Kart. And like others, they hit the charts hard with “Be Still and Breathe” and “Remind Me I’m Alive” while hitting the tour scene with the same velocity.

With a clean, hard rock-pop sound this LP is technically great with good production and song writing. ‘He will deliver, failure is not an option’ and ‘Our complacency won’t last much longer’ lead good lyrics framed by strong guitar work for the lead song “Days End”. The Storyside:B-like sound of “We Both Know” provides great radio fodder. “The Last Words”, the last song on the album, shows a change in direction, tempo, and message. Perhaps this is evidence of growth.

Despite its early success, There Came A Lion doesn’t provide a need to replay beyond once or twice. Why? The answer is found in the repetitiveness of its content. Hot guitars, singular vocal range and message don’t make for multi-play. The sound is spacious, but not dynamic. After two years, changes in personnel, and related seasoning Ivoryline may provide a new and improved sound with its next effort, Vessels, out July 27, 2010. Change is good.

www.myspace.com/ivoryline

SS Mertens