Sass Jordan "From Dusk Til' Dawn," Our Lady Peace "Burn, Burn," Machines of Grace "self titled" CD reviews

Last Updated on Monday, 10 August 2009 23:41 Written by Gus Griesinger and Jade Baird Sunday, 26 July 2009 17:24

Sass Jordan "From Dusk Til' Dawn"

    The original 'Canadian Idol,' Sass Jordan, will becoming out with her 6th studio album ‘From Dusk ‘til Dawn’ on Elvair Entertainment, digitally on August 4th and on hard format on September 15, 2009. Her husband and guitar player Derek Sharp plays multiple instruments on the album and also produces it.
    The CD starts with a song called ‘What I Need” that has a ‘singing on the street corners with friends’ type of vibe to it. This includes up tempo vocals with a simple drum pattern, accompanied by a steady bass flow, surrounded by some acoustic guitars. Sass’s raspy and unique voice shines on this track. The second track “Fell in Love Again” sounds like more of her earlier work with less rock and more horns attached to it. It works very well here. The soothing track “Love N Affection” has a jazz-type vocal with a hint of drums and with tempered acoustic guitars. Sass shows more of her range toward the end of the song, layered with an electric guitar.  The slide guitar is brought out for the Tom Waits cover “OL’ 55.”  The track “Stronger” is probably the best song that really showcases what Sass can do as a vocalist on this CD. She sings, but also adds her raspy vocals to sections along with raising her voice when needed.
    The entire album feels like Sass is getting together with some friends and jamming on tunes and seeing what comes out of it. It’s not as bluesy as her last release “Get what You Give”  and not rocking like “Racine’ or “ Rats.“  Now, this is what Sass is; unpretentious and feeling free to make the music she wants to make. For me, that’s o.k. as long as it’s true and this release makes you feel that.

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars    Reviewed by Gus Griesinger                                

Machines of Grace "self titled" 

       Zak Stevens and Jeff Plate (formally of Savatage) have paired up once again, with their new sound, as Machines of Grace. With new members Matt Leff and Chris Rapoza, this band is creating its own formula of rock in its self titled debut. The songs range from heavy hitters to more melodic acoustic tracks. "Innocence" is one of the softer songs on the CD. "The Moment" also shares similar attributes. The song explains how life should be lived for every minute and not wasted on regrets. The story is told with softer, well spoken verses, as well as catchy rhythms and lyrics throughout the chorus. The song hits a chord with the listeners by being so easy to relate to, making it a standout track on the record.  The CD builds back up again with the "Prelude," and blends in nicely to the next track, "Between the Lines." This song has a harder edge than its prior, and gets the listeners rocking. The drum beat pulsates as a high end guitar solo finds its way into the mix. Added with Zak's heavy metal voice, the track is as catchy as any other mainstream rock band, and brings out another side of the band's sound. Another standout track is "This Time," which is featured on the CD twice; the original and an acoustic version. Both versions showcase Zak's uncanny vocal abilities, and bring out a softer, more heartbroken side to the compilation of songs. The heartfelt lyrics, including "I spent a lifetime searching everywhere for some piece of mind, to feel the way that I did with you again," pull out the true emotions of the song. The acoustic version creates a raw energy that clicks with the overall message of the song, and breaks the hearts of the listeners that much more. "This Time" is both a great reminiscence song and a breakup song, with the presence of immense passion.
    Due to the band members' previous experience (Jeff Plate preformed with the Trans Siberian Orchestra) and their understanding of todays' style of music, Machines of Grace have defined an effective sound of their own that is both melodic and heavy hitting, while at the same time, equally as catchy.

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars     Reviewed by Jade Baird                                                                              

    Throughout the 90's and early 2000's, Our Lady Peace has been known for its talent in writing music that all types of people can enjoy, including singles such as "One Man Army" and "Innocent."  They may have six other studio albums, but the guys have upped the anti this time around with "Burn Burn."  The first song on the album, also the first single of the record, "All You Did Was Save My Life" reminds me of OLP's earlier work. It's very upbeat and easily to follow along. Being so energized, it shows the band's colors and creativity. With a heavy bass line and fast paced drums, the song generates a great first impression to the CD as a whole. The song speaks of getting through things and not giving up ("I'm not dying") and gives a sense of hope through its message. This is somewhat of an invitation into the rest of the story the album tells.  It also shows those listening that if they're not giving up, they should stick around for the ride.  Another standout track is "The Right Stuff." Entering with a simple guitar riff, and a calm, steady beat from the bass, it starts up with a mysterious aura of Raine's voice as he states "You don't know me... you got my heart hooked, line, and sinker." He speaks of how he sees being with this mystery girl would be a good thing for everyone, as the chorus kicks in with the statement in the title, "You've got the right stuff." As the attraction is becoming more and more irresistible, the tempo rises. Then there's a slower breakdown, symbolizing the desperate state he is now in over this mysterious girl he wants so badly.
     Overall, this record is undoubtedly the best work thus far from Our Lady Peace. Each song has a new theme and is equally as worthy of your time. This band knows how to hit the nail on the head with topics that are relevant to fans, which gets them to listen. Life, love, and confusion seems to catch every market as far as people go, and they go for all three. The band leaves the listener with a sense of joy after hearing this record and the boys stay true to themselves sound-wise.
     One of the best parts of this band, in my opinion, is its ability to give the bass a spotlight without it being overpowering, or the opposite, hidden away under the guitar riffs. The band members show their musicianship and experience with each song. And even though they change with each new CD, they keep their own unique sound and style to remain the band they have always been, Our Lady Peace.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars      Reviewed by: Jade Baird