| A testament to any
rock band or artist is the ability to match or even surpass their debut
album with a second full-length recording. I could name drop a shopping
list of amazing bands from years gone by who have not been able to deliver
a second record and you probably know of dozens of bands too. Toronto's
All The Brightness have successfully accomplished beating the odds with
the release of Destiny Weeps (2008).
Recorded this past
summer at SLR Studios (Windsor, ON) produced by All The Brightness along
with Martin Bak who also looked after engineering and mixing duties helped
ATB notch their place along the Canadian music landscape with a highly
impressive 12-songs, second full-length album. No filler, no fluff. Every
song is as good as the next. Destiny Weeps is more than a follow up to
Lost
In The Soul Deposit (2005), it's a damn good disc.
Just how you and
I have grown over the past three years so have Kevin Bailey (Bass Guitar),
Nick Mazzei (Vocals, Guitar) and Pete Maniatis (Drums). Talented musicians
reaching new heights but also on an intellectual level as I thoroughly
enjoyed the songwriting on every song. These guys were certainly inspired
and as a devoted music lover I'm grateful they continue to share their
gift.
"Lies Lies Lies"
is the opening track; commanding such a statement you know the band has
a lot on their mind and they say it with a pounding guitar. Lyrical passages
including "A lotta lotta nothing finds it's way into my conscience" is
something everyone has felt at one time or another and the way Nick sings
this, he's making it quite personal.
The album is filled
with stellar drumming but the second song titled "Overtaken" is where Pete
Maniatis shines on percussion.
"Go On" and "Not
The One" are exceptional mid-tempo rock ballads that could easily find
their way to mainstream radio.
"Right Where I Wanna
Be" is track 6, a real catchy gem with an infectious beat as the rhythm
guitar and bass dance in harmony creating a near reggae-sound.
The album closes,
much like a good book, with a lovely ballad titled "The Gesture". The music
is beautiful and the story told even sweeter. I can visually picture ATB
performing this song live in the near future as musical guests on a late-night
talk show.
This album is available
at your favourite brick and mortal retail outlet; if it's not, demand it!
You can also order directly from the band through their snazzy website.
The simple design
of the two-fold liner notes opens with lyrics displayed as if being viewed
on a wide-screen television. Plenty of credits and kudos expressed by the
band; chatting occassional with Kevin, Nick and Pete over the years I know
these are sincere thanks to those mentioned.
Destiny Weeps: Highly
recommended, mission accomplished.
www.allthebrightness.net
www.myspace.com/allthebrightness
Chris White
c.white@partyinkingston.com |
