The opening strains of melancholy strings are a definite tip-off that Common Children is trying to put some distance between the predominantly grunge territory of its debut, Skywire, and the more subdued sounds of Delicate Fade. Guitarist/vocalist Mark Byrd, bassist Drew Powell and percussionist Hampton Eugene now pick their moments to howl (literally and figuratively) more judiciously, opting instead to perform with what might be described as a "quiet intensity." That's not to suggest all the wind has gone out of the band's sails, only that Common Children is determined to show it has more than a "one note samba" to offer. The patient listener will appreciate the sophisticated approach the band takes, increasing the volume gradually over the first four tracks of the disc, before finally allowing you the cathartic release of track five, "Burn." That song and "Pulse" are really the only tunes which strongly suggest the Skywire sound. Otherwise, Byrd, Powell & Eugene have moved toward modern rock staples such as Radiohead, Oasis, Bush, The Cure and The Choir. Delicate Fade was designed as a song cycle, but several songs, even taken out of context, stand out: "Indiscreet," with its powerful statement, I bleed for you / I crawl for you / I fold myself / and I break in two; "Eyes of God," which expresses the Lord's simultaneous love for and disappointment in us; "Pulse," which finds two hearts that once beat to the same rhythm now out of synch, and "Drift/Blue Raft/Storm Boy," a mini-epic which closes the album. This trilogy uses the metaphor of being adrift at sea and seeking comfort and direction. As with Skywire, what earns Delicate Fade its unique spot is the writing and vocal prowess of Mark Byrd. Byrd writes with an introspection that is so soul-baring as to almost be discomforting to the listener. As much as it is a healing thing to commune over these lyrics, you may, from time to time, find yourself thinking, "too much information." Still Common Children must be applauded for being painfully honest. It's certainly a welcome change from what one hears on many current releases.