We've all been There - Alex Band
Virgin Records; Music CD; Rs.245
Think debut album and you'd almost robotically presume raw sound, abrupt sequence and adulterated texture until of course you listen to Alex Band's debut solo offering. Better known as the former lead vocalist of rock band The Calling, Band has come a long way since and has matured musically with time.
The album gives the listener the feeling of flipping through the artiste's personal journal. Touching on love, passion, heartbreak, spiritual guidance and moving on, this 13-track CD emulates the emotions of Band's own story.
The opener is the title track which starts with a mellifluous piano prelude before a haunting guitar sequence kicks in. Remarkably U2esqueish, the tune is catchy. The middle 8 is what stands out about this number, thanks to the orchestrated employment of strings.
“Tonight” is a beauty, musically and lyrically. A romantic and sensual track this. Starting with a hushed guitar riff, Band's voice picks up as the chorus reaches explosion when he croons: “Tonight I've got you where I want you”. The guitar solo towards the fag end is noteworthy.
Next up is “Forever Yours” which is the kind of song that just gets better as it progresses. Anyone who's been in love, has faced its not-so-sweet side, yet hasn't given up on love, will identify with this track. “It's the way that you love me/ the way that you touch me/ I'm forever yours”. Enough said!
“Will not back down” is a personal favourite. Infused with a bit of synth initially, it is the guitar sweeps and the booming drums that take the listener to heaven. The lyrics are a tad clichéd but you wouldn't really care. That's what Band manages to do here.
“Please” is a soft rendering and this is where the rich musical texture of Band's songs is served on a platter. The verse is more gripping than the chorus. The climax however is “If love is a temple, then hope is a church, that binds everybody like the spine of a book filled with pages cannot be turned.” Afterthought: Is it even possible for someone who waxes eloquent about love to experience heartbreak?
Other songs on this album include “Without you”, the bass riff of which is the real highlight, “Only one”, “Leave” which is a ballad that is somewhat repetitive, “Never let you go” of which the musical arrangement is epic- tribal drum beats, explicit guitar riffs, steady piano build and of course Band's inimitable low growl, “Euphoria” which is euphoric in the sense that it employs the understated acoustic guitar and the violin, and “What is love” which starts slow but picks up intensity making one realise this is no generic anthem.
“Start over again” is the penultimate track on the album. It tranquilises the soul, thanks to the acoustic guitar bit. But it is the remarkable harmony of vocals and strings (guitar and violin) that would make you want to listen to the song again.
The album ends with “Love” which is again a soul calmer but doesn't have as much impact as the previous songs. Four words remain: Simply outstanding. Highly recommended!
