Considering Lily

Item: The Pieces Fit
Author: Elisa Musso

The Pieces Fit

(1998)

Reviewed by Elisa Musso

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label ForeFront RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1999

alternative rock ccm electronic pop

With the departure of singer Serene Allison to be a full-time wife and mom, Considering Lily was in need of a like-minded singer to complement veteran Pearl Barrett, Allison's sister. ForeFront Records Vice President of A&R, Eddie DeGarmo, brought together Barrett and Jeannette Herdman (wife of Audio Adrenaline's Bob Herdman) thinking that perhaps something would "happen"--and it did. Herdman is not exactly a novice: she has a solo indie album for which she was looking for a distributor before being introduced to Barrett.

The band's style has changed--the sound with Allison Barrett was more alternative with driving rhythm guitars; with Herdman there is more of a pop style but with some alternative edge still there. The women's voices are a major part of that "edge." They're rather light at times, but can belt it out when necessary. The harmonies aren't "tight"--not necessarily a bad thing--so the melodies stand out quite a bit. There is also a freedom in the phrasing that is pleasing to the ear.

This project, the Pieces Fit, required more than several listens to "warm up" to, but it's an able effort considering the personnel changes. All songs were written by Barrett and Herdman, with occasional help from others. Producers Barry Blair (a former Audio A guitarist) and Michael Quinlan also helped with the songwriting, as well as Herdman and Barrett's husbands. This project includes Audio A bass player, Will McGinniss, on many of the songs. Blair also plays guitar on the project.

One song that stands out is "Electric" (by the Barretts and Herdman). About the "electrifying" aspect of God's Love, it manages vocally and instrumentally to convey that "feeling" of excitement. Another song, "Today" (the Herdmans, Barrett and Blair) is a joyous look at Jesus' return.

It's impressive that these two women--Barrett from New Zealand, and Herdman from the USA--could, soon after meeting, put together a fairly strong performance. Lyrically, however, the songs fail to capture the imagination. There seems to be a "stream of consciousness" effect to some of the songs that is rather tiring to follow. There are some good images and ideas, but they're just not consistent enough. As the pair becomes even more of a unit, their lyric writing will be enhanced by their relationship. This will be good, for their melodies are strong. the Pieces Fit conveys how God has put them together, and in future albums we may hope for the lyrical quality to approach their melodies.

2.5 tocks