The Lion Dreams Tonight
Posted August 14, 2008
By IronJedi,
Ivoryline, another addition to Tooth & Nail’s growing roster of modern rock, emo-influenced, post-punk bands, delivers a fine debut with There Came A Lion. The band‘s first full-length, nationally distributed disc falls squarely into what I call the “Tooth & Nail style” and bears more than a close resemblance to the sound of label mates Anberlin. Upon close inspection of the liner notes, credits and “thanks” this came as no surprise since über-producer Aaron Sprinkle is known to leave a very conspicuous stamp on projects he produces.
Three songs from the band’s EP The Life You Have experience a Sprinkle produced makeover and appear on There Came a Lion: The high-energy “Day’s End,” the anthemic “Parade” and the brisk anthem “Bravery.” The discs other 8 songs are equally energetic. (Noticing a pattern here?)
The band does a fantastic job of creating engaging lyrics that move between introspective and accusatory, as well as making appealing rock music. Jeremy Gray's vocals are superb but lack a distinguishing texture that mark them distinct from other similarly voiced frontmen. It is this similitude, along with Sprinkle’s production and Ivoryline’s proximal Anberlin sound that may hinder them; which would be unfortunate. Without investigation, listeners may mistake the band’s worthwhile effort for unknown or new music from Mr. Christian & Co.
Ivoryline is a band that you should find appealing if you’re into the music of Kids in the Way, This Beautiful Republic, Search The City, Wavorly, and of course, the aforementioned Anberlin. View All Music And Book Reviews By IronJedi | View IronJedi's Profile
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