After an unsatisfying indie-pop influenced debut, Clear has moved in an acoustic direction. The mixture of acoustic instrumentation and familiar bright-production on Follow the Narrow seems to fit the band much better and result in a much stronger follow-up.
Alison Ogren's vocals (which still bear a remarkable resemblance to those of Sarah Masen) are very much the focus here and mesh nicely with the accompaniment, but the production occasionally pulls them out a little too much while the music is sometimes a little muted. It would be interesting to hear the songs live to see whether they have a harder edge in that setting.
The band share writing duties, and the lyrics focus on fairly familiar subjects but Clear has a fresh and poetic take on them. As with the music, the lyrics could be sharper and that is hopefully something that will come as the band develops.
Definitely a step in a better direction, whether it's the change of style or simply the way the band have grown, this is definitely the stronger of the band's two releases to date and an enjoyable folk-pop release.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Adam L.When I am asked what I like to hear in a band (which I rarely am), I usually drivel on and on about a number of things, one of which is how important a successful second album is to the continuing success of a band. Producing material consistent with or surpassing the quality of a debut album is almost always difficult. It often takes bands two, sometimes even three or four years to finally…Similar sounding releases
2000Jennifer KnappLay It Down
2005Brandi CarlileBrandi Carlile
2004Jennifer DanielsSummer Filled Sky
2001LaRueTransparent
2004Jason HarwellAlive in the Fall
2002Scott RigganAll I Know
