The 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 to Delicate Fade show that it can be done quite successfully.
Common Children writes fine songs of hope and healing in the midst of anguish. "Eyes of God" and "Strange Rain" are excellent examples. The band clearly looks to God as their source of strength and inspiration despite the darkness and despair of modern day life. The end result blends cellos and violins with loud, throbbing post-grunge guitars, bass, and drums, to make for a surprisingly good collection of inspirational bits for the soul in need of solace. Plus some wonderful encouragements, such as these excerpted lyrics:
from "Eyes of God:"
Do you wake up without speaking
Outside in a shallow state of mind
You come down
You're slipping on your feelings
This breakdown may one day lead to healing...
Do you wake without breathing
Rub on your faded smile
You wanted to be perfect
You'll have to wait a while
Dress yourself all up in heaven
Let the angels dance inside these feelings
All the while the eyes of God shine on us
Take the time, let it go
Embrace this day of healing
His tears of love redeem us
The eyes of mercy shine on us.
4 tocks. Maybe more.
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 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,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Mark J. AylorCommon 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"…Similar sounding releases
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