Erika
[demo]
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
This two-man project (Brook Hovland handling all vocals and bass and Will Lafever playing all guitars and drum programs) is an incredible demonstration of great melodic metal/pop metal songwriting. These tunes could be pumping out over radio waves anywhere. Lyrically, these guys have a gift for penning lessons into stories. "Don't Wonder" is an acoustic ballad that contemplates dying and lonely people wondering "how things ever got that way." The song finds resolution in explaining how we rush through life and don't take the advice that "Mama Said" (the preceding song) gives--instead looking out only for "number one" and ignoring those in need around us. With that knowledge, all of us can say that we don't wonder (anymore) how things can get that way. One could classify the messages in all the songs as very positive/moral metal. The closing number on this 6-song tape contains a cry out to God: "Lord, there's got to be an answer/either here on earth, yeah/or up in the skies/There's got to be a place called Heaven/Where the people never cry/never cry a tear or live their lives in fear." The song concludes with an interesting introspective answer: "I opened up my weary eyes/looked into the mirror just to find/The answer etched upon my face." Covered here is an old favorite of mine from Stevie Wonder, called "Livin' For The City," chronicling the struggle honest people have just surviving in urban life. What a cool "secular" tune to cover! Many could rightly say that there are no spoken references of the Name of Jesus or messages on the Roman road to salvation; but it is full of truth. For ordering info, write: 12228 48th Ave S, Seattle WA 98178.