20/20 Blind hail from Houston, Texas, just like King's X and Galactic Cowboys, both of whom get thanked in Never Far's liner notes. What do they get thanked for? The notes don't say, but probably for giving 20/ 20 Blind the idea for "I Am Blind," which has King's X stamped all over it.
According to that logic, though, the band should've also thanked Michael Sweet for inspiring (in his mellower mode) Wallace B. Chase's singing on poignantly melodic songs like "Love Keeps Reaching," "Only Hope" and the title cut. Yet, there's no "Thanks, Michael Sweet" to be found, unless he's among "all of our friends who have sacrificed their time and energy ... "
Which leaves six songs that don't sound like copies of anyone. And, ideally, for a debut album, six out of ten that stand on their own—or at least try to— makes for a fairly impressive ratio. And even more impressive than that is the crisp, metallic runs of Doug Middleton's and Mike McNeely's twin guitars. They play with enough precision to keep their transitions from the heavier songs to the soft from sounding forced and abrupt. In other words, though Never Far is programmed with as much attention to pacing as the most radio oriented pop album, 20/20 Blind don't strip their gears in the shifting.
As with lots of rock bands, however, 20/20 Blind have trouble with lyrics. Bald declarations of faith like "You know your only hope is in Jesus" ("Only Hope") and "I saw the lightning / And I had to believe" ("Soul Song") come off glib, and the angst of "I Am Blind" and "Easier Way" seems secondhand. The album's best lyrics are the ones they didn't write ("Love Keeps Reaching"), which suggests the best move could be to collaborate more with the outside world.
3/5
Other coverage for this album
Heaven's Metal #48Reviewed by Doug Van PeltIt's been interesting to watch 20/20 Blind evolve in the last two years I've known about 'em. This debut album, Never Far, which has taken about six months to complete, has an interesting appeal that doesn't take immediate hold on the first listen. After that first listen, I didn't want to give this album the time of day. This changes, though, once I dug in and listened. The band is obviously…The Lighthouse June 1994Reviewed by Beth BlinnThe debut from 20/20 Blind on Intersound Records is a solid release. The Houston-based five-member band has been together for three and a half years-enough time for them to find their sound and polish it somewhat. That sound is pretty diverse. The album kicks off with "Wash," a strong rocker that showcases vocal harmonies reminiscent of King's X. Then comes "Soul Song," another rocker, before the…Similar sounding releases
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