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All Together
Separate A wide variety of styles is the first thing I noticed on All Together Separate's self titled debut album (actually they put out an independent release a couple years ago). Pulling off a number of styles without breaking a sweat is one of the true marks of a good band--and that is exactly what ATS (hereby shortened to save myself from carpal tunnel syndrome) has done. They establish themselves as a rock group with 'On & On,' which has a great groove, supported by a growling guitar riff that sticks in your head for a long time. It also gives lead singer Dex Alexander a chance to show off his impressive range both vocally and emotionally. On 'Face to Face,' Alexander vividly describes a Christian's drive to get to know God more and more each day: "It seems I came to life when I heard you whisper / You said the words I love you." The song also displays the tightness of the group, with duo guitar and bass lines that are right on. Another thing I appreciate, being a horn player myself, is any band's inclusion of brass, and with track 3 'No Condemnation' and track 9 'Magic Show,' they do just that while switching from their previous amalgamation of acoustic-driven rock (with some early 90's alternative influences) to a funk style that smacks of Jamiroquai. But ATS isn't satisfied with adding just horns--they also experiment with alternate time signatures in 'Revolution,' a tactic that keeps musically trained ears interested. They seem to enjoy fading into songs, something that could surprise a few listeners if they have their stereos on too loud. ATS reaches their lyrical peak in track 11, 'Camouflage Soul,' where the band addresses the easy habit of living two lives--one of a Christian on Sundays, and of the world the rest of the week: 'Another chance has come and gone / And I allowed my faith to fade into the background / How can I claim to be like your Son / And keep hanging on to what I know He died to free me from?" For the most part, ATS is very solid lyrically, with positive messages about Christianity without being saccharine or lacking any true emotion. The album closes with a moving rendition of Tommy Walker's 'It Will Be Worth It All'--a very sparse song with just Alexander on vocals, guitar and bass--but that's all it needs. Alexander finishes off the album with a very Stevie Wonder-esque performance, showing improvisation skills not often used in rock music. Overall, I would definitely recommend this group to anyone looking for a change in the music they're listening to--you won't regret it. (Adam L.) |
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