When I first saw the video for “The Fear In Your Eyes,” a popular track from Gwen Stacy's first major release, I was rather intrigued. I found the hardcore king of the hill battle that it portrayed intriguing, but the music made me actually pay attention. Since forming back in 2004, Gwen Stacy (not sure if there's supposed to be a connection with Spider-Man there, by the way) has a few independent albums and they seem to be tour junkies. This year, however, brings a new front man, a new record label, and a new record – the touring will probably remain, but how will the music sound?
A Dialogue starts off with “The First Words,” a track that bluntly blasts the door off the hinges as you enter into the world of hardcore. The song commands us to stand up and be strong for God with lyrics like, “If I have one more day to live, then I have one more day to fight.” The riffs are amazing, the double bass is evident, and the break downs are nothing less than musical art. The exact same could be said for “Creation & How I See It,” “Devil, Devil,” and many others on the eleven track listing. A forceful theme of giving direction to a young generation is prevalent in many of the album's songs; “Profit Move” talks of living for God and “Addictionary” speaks about God being our only way of contentment. The title track gives mention to matters of showing other people a better way of life, featuring lyrics that scream, “You speak your doubts in hope of finding something that I have not already seen. There are things that are so much greater than your heart could truly understand." It’s a song of despair and dealing with pain, but knowing (without seeing) that it will all be worth it in the end.
The drumming is as nasty as any hardcore band can get, the growls of Geoff blend perfectly with the harmonizing vocals of Brent, and the few touches of musical creativity set A Dialogue apart. This combination is exactly what makes for an amazing album. These four guys from Indianapolis have a great future ahead of them, and if you’re a fan of Haste The Day or the like, you’ll feel the same way.
Click here to add a video. Click to add lyrics if not listed.
4/5| Posted August 26, 2011
It sucks that Gwen Stacy had to break up because there was potential for greatness and this album shows that the potential was there even if what was heard sounded a bit generic. Yes, this album sounds almost a bit generic musically but out of that comes some really thoughtful lyrics that is the main highlight. It's still an album that can be enjoyed, and I did enjoy it, but what hinders it is the unoriginality of the music. If they hadn't disbanded they could have had that breakthrough album that would have gained them some significant recognition. Sadly, we'll never see that now.
to add lyrics if not listed.
