Ivoryline’s “There Came a Lion”: A Review
Nutshell Verison:
It’s a rare occurrence to pick up a new release out of general curiosity, and have it become an instant favorite. Ivoryline’s debut album There Came a Lion, the debut album by Tooth and Nail’s latest signing Ivoryl, remains an exception to this rule. Bursting from the shadows straight onto the scene, Ivoryline is an outlier in an industry flooded with “myspace” and “purevolume” bands. While the CD is generally praiseworthy, it is not without its flaws. Despite its minor shortcomings through the use of “filler songs”, There Came a Lion is shaping up to be one of the better albums released this year. For those who have yet to check out Ivoryline the time is now.
Long Version:
It’s a rare occurrence to pick up a new release out of general curiosity, and have it become an instant favorite. There Came a Lion, the debut album by Tooth and Nail’s latest signing Ivoryline, remains an exception to this rule. Bursting from the shadows straight onto the scene, Ivoryline is an outlier in an industry flooded with “myspace” and “purevolume” bands.
In the case of all artists, whose work can often be compared to that of another’s, Ivoryline fuses the musical intensity of Underoath with the passionate haunting vocals of Anberlin while retaining a sound that is all their own. Kicking off with “Days End,” a fast paced rocker depicting the pseudo-tragic state of the church, its lyrics begging listeners to wake up, realize the profound impact of serving a merciful yet powerful God, and living in a way that challenges conformity, the stage is set for the oncoming musical experience. Following is the semi-ambiguous “We Both Know,” an alt-rocker, its lyrics seemingly directed toward a young women, warning her of the world, its false prophets, and empty promises, assuring her “There are liars outside your window… signing syncopated rhythms, charming in your ear”. Next up, “Parade” a paradoxical sort of tune, is stylistically upbeat yet sympathetic lyrically, with a catchy chorus and verse arrangement.
Progressing through the record, listeners are presented with the current single “Be Still and Breath.” The song has a unique quality, remaining listener friendly, with catchy verses and an extremely memorable chorus, while remaining innovative, and original. Some are bound to be critical, discrediting Ivoryline, citing numerous “sound alike” bands. To answer this, one must realize that while the genre itself may be overflowing with acts, Ivoryline pulls of the alternative sound in a way that is refreshing. Just as Linkin Park did nothing in pioneering the rap-rock genre, they’re implementation of turntables, mixing of screams with soaring melodic choruses, and refusal to back down in the wake of bands such as Limp Biskit, created a sound that was all their own, and in this respect Ivoryline has their own voice in the alternative realm.
While the CD is generally praiseworthy, it is not without its flaws. While highlights such as “Be Still and Breath,” Days End,” Parade,” and the progressive rock ballad “Hearts and Minds” account for a good portion of the project, a few songs do seem to be “fillers”. “Left Us Falling,” seems to do little to nothing for the overall quality of the album, and “And The Truth Will End This” seems poorly structured, feeling more like a throw in, than a solid track. Despite its minor shortcomings, “There Came a Lion” is shaping up to be one of the better albums released this year. For those who have yet to check out Ivoryline the time is now.
4 out of 5
Release Date: February 5th 2008
Tooth and Nail Records
Track Listing:
1.) Days End
2.) We Both Know
3.) Parade
4.) All You Ever Hear
5.) Be Still and Breath
6.) Remind Me I’m Alive
7.) Left Us Falling
8.) And The Truth Will End This
9.) Bravery
10.) Hearts and Minds
11.) The Last Words
