Female-fronted rock band Inhabited is putting the finishing touches on its sophomore release, LOVE, releasing through 7 Spin Music on February 26, 2008. Inhabited's national sophomore project will be produced by industry veteran Monroe Jones (Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Third Day). With a freshly signed contract with 7 Spin Music (after things didn't work out with Slanted Records), Inhabited is back and better than ever with their new album, Love. The breakaway from Fervent Records could not have come at a better time, seeing as this record is more diverse musically and lyrically than Inhabited's previous release. Their debut, The Revolution, might have been the wake up call, but Love is the "get up and go."
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LOVE| Posted September 29, 2008
On Inhabited’s 2005 debut, The Revolution (Fervent), the group provided a pleasant, though in many cases, noticeably derivative amalgamation of Evanescence, BarlowGirl and Plumb. Though splashes of those similarities resurface to a certain extent (plus bits of Paramore), Love showcases the group expanding its sonic palette, while also providing eternity-minded messages. The title cut is a stirring acoustic ballad where front woman Sara Acker speaks about love’s many angles, particularly the intertwining of the Lord’s unconditional acceptance with His grace-drenched opportunities for redemption. The sweetly sung “Song To the Fatherless” expands upon that issue, reminding listeners of Christ’s ultimate protection, despite the fractured parental relationships found in this world.
“We Will Live” and “Are You With Me” return to edgier contexts via chunky guitars and thumping drums, showcasing growth in the vocal and instrumentation department, wrapped around glistening production from Monroe Jones (Third Day, Jackson Browne). Yet, the band still leans a little too heavily on outside influences during the Gwen Stefani “Hollaback Girl” cloned “Hush” and the Superchick-styled pep rally cheer “Are You With Me.” Thankfully, it’s not to the same degrees of regularity as the first time out, suggesting that if Inhabited continues in this otherwise more original direction, its third disc could be a complete charm. - Andy Argyrakis
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
Inhabited [Love]| Posted September 24, 2008
[Main Review]
I think the one word that best describes Inhabited’s new project would be ‘wow’. I guess I was expecting much from this record. I have heard the song “Hush” on the radio a thousand times, not to mention on TV. But I soon discovered there was a little more to this record. At first glance, I really thought I was listening to a new rendition of Superchic(k). But I was wrong. There are some very touching songs on this release, and while I didn’t have the group’s previous release, ‘Revolution’, I was impressed with what I was hearing.
The first song that caught my attention is the title track, “Love”. Sara Acker remarks of the song, “It remains a mystery how the Majesty of heaven came to earth a man, shedding His blood that all humanity might receive grace and forgiveness”. This in my opinion is the true definition of the word ‘love’. John 3:16 says it all. God loved us enough to give His best for us.
The one song that I found especially powerful in it’s message has to be hands down, “Song to the Fatherless”. Acker says she was influenced by a few sources when writing the song. One from a 12 year-old boy attending a show, and the story of her own mother. While I cannot relate personally to the song, I know there are people out there who have dealt with the loss of a father. Whether he walked out, or through a divorce or even perhaps there was never one there, the fact remains that we have a Father in heaven who is willing to be that father to the fatherless. I think the chorus pretty much sums up the song. “God will never walk out on you / He’ll be the Father that you never knew / He loves you, more than words can say / He won’t leave you when you need Him the most / His love is unconditional / And you know, you put a smile upon His face.” I think the song touches on points made in the title track as well.
Musically, one of the catchiest songs on the record has to be “Old School”. It’s a phrase I often find myself saying. You know, I grew up in the 80’s (I was born in 1980), so of course everything from ‘back in the day’ is ‘old school’. Catchy song, just letting go and having some fun!
Overall, the message of the album comes out in some of the songs. While it’s not blatant, I think Inhabited does a decent job of putting their faith in the music. I think this album could minister to those who can relate to the issues of life. Like I said in the beginning of the review, I thought ‘wow’. This is definitely worth the listen. I enjoyed it and I think you will too.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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The message comes out in this record, and while not as evident in some songs as others, I think Inhabited has put forth a good quality album with an inspirational message, some good pop & rock, and of course… a whole lotta love.
Rating: 8.1 out of 10 (81%, B-)
Review written by: Jay Heilman
(jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/inhabited_love.html
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
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