New Breath to an Old Era
Posted March 22, 2018
By JJFrancesco_NRT, Staff Reviewer
For those of us who came of age during the 2000s, rock music was a part of our identity. As that distinguished brand of rock has faded more and more into the past, the cravings for a new face to deliver that sound in a fresh way have increased. Enter Andrew Serino. Having already developed a following through YouTube covers and auditioning on American Idol, Serino is poised to bring The Golden Thread to the music world.
What It Sounds Like:
It's like Serino was signed to Tooth & Nail Records in the mid-2000s and then came through a time portal to 2018. So many of the bands that defined the label during that timeframe have echoes on Serino's sound, while Serino still owns his own unique musical identity. Heavy guitars and mostly clean vocals dominate the songs, while quieter subtle instrumental elements round out the tunes into a full sound. Lead single "Wake Up" exemplifies all the best the album has to offer, including a delicious gang vocal hook and a rousing chorus. Beautiful duet "Shadows" with Andrew's wife Heidi Serino is another highlight, showing a slightly softer side of Serino's music. The title track sends the album off in a grand finale of a rocking closer, again highlighting the best of Serino's take on a timeless alt-rock sound.
Spiritual Highlights:
Like the bands referenced by Serino's sound, Serino hasn't set out to craft a "church" CD here. The lyrics are more focused on positive themes, including calling out negative influences ("Arrogance") and ridding ourselves of harmful habits ("Wake Up"). "Shadows" is arguably the song most likely to be seen as a vertical one, albeit one that can also apply to human relationships. Regardless, the themes of encouragement are consistently above the topics promoted by the typical mainstream.
Best Song On The Record:
"Wake Up" captures everything that is best about The Golden Thread.
For Fans Of:
Ivoryline, Anberlin, Sumerlin
Final Word:
Andrew Serino has stormed a fairly empty rock stage with a guitar-driven sound that harkens to some old favorites while boasting enough spice to leave his own unique musical footprint.
Get the album on iTunes here.
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