Common Children return with their second release Delicate Fade and it really is an excellent effort. While this doesn't have the intensity of their first album, it is still a powerful performance. The grungier sound from their first album has been toned down and now they have a more mature Choir-like (Free Flying Soul) sound. They can still crank it out as shown on the songs "Burn" and "Pulse" but these seem to be the exceptions rather than the rule. The new sound is more thoughtful, even contemplative at times--it owes a lot to the way the rest of the grunge sound has evolved, shades of this can be heard on their first album on songs like "Broken Mind." Marc Byrd's vocals fit in very well with this sound and really breathe life into it. He also does a great job on the lyrics (he wrote most of them) -- the plea for help and faith, the longing to see God's face.
A lot of expert help went into this production. Steve Hindalong helps out on percussion, tremolo, and even writing the lyrics. Christine Glass helps out with background vocals and more lyrics. Tommy Greer adds some piano and organ. Even Derri Daugherty makes an appearance to add background vocals.
For a three-piece band, Common Children really put out a solid sound. I'd like to see them live and hear how they sound without the multiple tracks and all the other musicians they use in their studio efforts. Until then, I will enjoy what they record because it is excellent.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
7ball #16Reviewed by Bruce A. BrownThe 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…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Nathan CoblentzDelicate Fade, although very different from Skywire, is more of a gathering of new influences than a departure, and finds Common Children moving further from Nirvana-esque grunge and closer to the likes of the Choir, (who produced the album and contributed bgvs and percussion) Jars of Clay, and Oasis. Lyrically, there is less angst and more poetry here. "Eyes of God" speaks on God's healing,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinThe contrast here between the melodic, catchy neo-ballads and the abrasive, loud, post-grunge rockers is so vast that this album can seem schizophrenic. It's as if the chummy cello-playing Dr. Children at times grabs a mean guitar and becomes the darker alter-ego, Mr. Common. Variety is good, but most folks aren't in the mood for mixing mellow and mosh at the same time. And yet, repeated listens…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartCommon Children's debut won them a fair bit of acclaim, but this sophomore album looks set to surpass that. Steve Hindalong has been quoted saying this is the best album he's produced, and there seems to be a fair bit of excitement around concerning Common Children. The album begins with a laidback track, bringing in cellos and violins to open affairs and then basing things around a passionate,…Similar sounding releases
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