Aaron
Untitled release
Reviewed by Maury Millican
This demo tape features three of Aaron's songs: two hard rockers - "Tell Them" and "It's Here Again" - and a ballad entitled "I Will Remain." Sonically, the tape is lacking sufficient dB levels. The headroom (hiss) is obnoxious. Even though it's "only a demo," the tape should be listenable. Not many producers would have the stamina to endure to the end. So, sonically, this tape gets La Bomba. However, underneath all the low fidelity noise there is some promising material. I was most impressed by the drums and rhythm guitar. (Unfortunately, I couldn't hear much bass guitar.) Drums are tight, chops are clean, and rhythm is solid and consistent. Rhythm guitar is crunchin' - definitely metal. Many flashy lead guitar players can't play rhythm, but Aaron scores high in this department. On the other hand, the guitar solos are lacking clear definition and direction. The solos don't fit the progressions. What I really like about the tape is the way Aaron uses keyboards. Musically, the songs are arranged in such a manner that the keyboards really compliment the guitar work. No struggle here between keys and guitars - good team work! Vocals are promising. Lots of passion and the lyrics are understandable (even without a lyric sheet!) "Tell Them" is a song which encourages us not to "shelve our witness" to God's love. "It's Here Again" has a vulnerable and candid lyric which addresses sexual temptation and something with which we all are confronted: lust. Aaron's answer to this often swept-under-the-carpet problem? Cry to the Lord for mercy and help "to walk away." Good stuff. "I Will Remain" is a song of devotion to God, promising to stand strong "when all the shakin's done." I like the lead singer's voice: sounds like a cross between Bryan Duncan and Geddy Lee. However, the lead vocals occasionally drop flat (below the stylistic interpretation range...) and the BGYs could use some serious work. Overall, the music is good. The ballad, however, is weak only because the progression is redundant. Aaron is on the right track. Keep it up guys (especially the dBs!). You can write Aaron for tapes, t-shirts, etc. at: PO Box 1131, Miss B, Mississauga, Ont, L4Y-3W4, Canada.