Comments:
The new self-titled Eden's Lie new CD doesn't really sound like a
Kivel Records' release. Kivel is known for bringing bombastic hair
metal like Pyn Siren or Damn Cheetah; melodic rock with bands like
Adriangale, Tango Down and Ted Poley; and even more pared down guitar
heavy rock like TNA. The recent Bombay Black release from the label
was one thing, sort of creating a Lynch or Zakk Wylde-like spin on
hair metal, but Eden's Lie is another animal altogether.
The
band has actually been around since the mid '90s, and if you check
out their bio, they seem to fit that underdog role - and everyone
wants the underdog to win. But in most cases, the underdog doesn't
win …
It
all kicks off with "Here," a groovy, attitude heavy
composition. Right from the get-go, you'll understand that guitarist
Michael Pickens has his own style, and it says that he studied music
theory and composition, so he's obviously a student of the game. The
lead singer, Jeff Richards, tries to convey the emotion from the lyrics
he penned, especially in lines like, "I took for granted you'd
always be there; How I was wrong." Still, this is one of the
few songs where the vocals truly stand out on Design.
"Endless
Days" will remind you a bit of Dokken with the opening guitar
part. These guys seem to be influenced by the masters of yore, yet
because of Richards, they sound completely modern. That's not a negative;
merely a description. The drummer Larry Williams gets to match Pickens
in his own bailiwick, and the sudden tempo change after the first
chorus shows these guys are honing a trademark sound. The solo rips
again, as well.
"This
Time" is another heavy track, Pickens playing a distorted, chunky
rhythm. The whole song is noisy, and Richards' vocals are too much
in front. It's another original composition, though, and the song
ends with everyone in the band just rockin' out.
Ratt
is an obvious influence on "Chase Away," at least, pertaining
to guitars. Listen to the opening riff and try not to think about
DeMartini or Crosby.
They
surprise with the uplifting "Lost in a Phrase." Here, Richards
seems most at home, deftly delivering his best vocals on the whole
CD. When he sings slower, he is honest and earnest, in a good way.
Eden's Lie also refuses to give you pat lyrics, and even the chorus
of "I try to explain, my words never come out right … I'm
lost in a phrase," is intelligent.
"Wait"
will remind you of newer Dokken, with the melancholy and the pacing.
It's a mid-tempo rocker with a strong melody and like most of the
songs, Pickens is the best part of it. His playing here seems to build
and build, and it's just fun to listen to. Bassist Ed Nicolaides gives
his strongest effort in this track as well, laying down some superb
lines.
Eden's
Lie's strongest quality is their musicianship and their unique sound.
You won't find another band like this on the Kivel roster. As always
with Kivel releases, the production is impeccable and the cover art
is beyond merely interesting. Richards' voice is one facet of Eden's
Lie that doesn't stand out until you give it a few spins.
www.edenslie.com
www.kivelrecords.com
1. Here
2. Standing Still
3. Endless Days
4. Closure
5. This Time
6. Chase Away
7. Lost In A Phrase
8. Aligned
9. Wait
10. Faith Keeper
HRH
Rating: 7.1/10
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