Chicago's Blue Shade Witness has burst onto the music scene with an anthem-worthy sound in their debut self-titled EP. Unfettered in their approach and paced by a somewhat bombastic, Brit-rocker style, the foursome have made quite a positive impression on this reviewer.
Blue Shade Witness features a power chord method reminiscent of the Goo Goo Dolls in the majority of the six songs on this debut. The lyrics are of the self-introspective, melancholy sort. Chief lyricist and lead singer Joel Bennett succeeds in creating a sober poetic atmosphere that does not get mucked up with too much self pity. Example to this point: In the excellent first cut "The Stars Will Shine," Bennett laments, "Will I ever shine again/Is this the healing you promised, my friend," only to reassure himself in the chorus, "In time I know that we'll be free/We'll kiss the sun with golden wings/And the stars will shine on me." There is definitely writing of a deep nature going on here and it fits the music perfectly.
Blue Shade Witness is at their best when they stick to their power chords and the glamorous sound. They fall flat when they attempt an acoustic ballad in the final cut "Drowning." Bennett's voice seems out of place with the music around him and is definitely better suited for a more energized tone.
Overall, a great debut and one from a band that is in the process of creating its own niche. More excellent outings should be expected from these guys.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #114Reviewed by UnknownSuper melodic, atmosphere-rock.Decapolis August 2003Reviewed by Luke HarlowBlue Shade Witness is a four-piece melodic rock band out of the Chicago area. This is their first ep on Double Zero Records. According to their press material, Blue Shade Witness claim to be influenced heavily by modern British rock and seek a place within that genre. The band's light melodic vocals and catchy guitars place them more on the "accessible" end of the spectrum than with the…Decapolis August 2003Reviewed by Tyler BaberThe US and Britain have a strange relationship. Americans drive SUVs, Brits drive on the wrong side of the road. We're not quite as entranced in celebrity tabloid magazines, they don't care about our celebrities. We have much less embarrassing names for cigarettes while they have better news programs. They're responsible for the Spice Girls, we're responsible for fast food. They listen to and…Similar sounding releases
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