It took almost a decade, but here come the props. Every Day Life may have been the victim of some major industry neglect in the past, but with this release, justice should prevail. Moment of Clarity is being distributed in the general market by Paradigm Associated Labels, which includes Big Deal Records, and in the Christian market by KMG. This is a major landmark for the Christian artists who were way, way, way ahead of their time, and all that remains now is a look past the hype. Does the album deserve all this attention? Is it better than their past albums? Is Tedd on Crystal Meth?
The answer to these questions are:
1. Yes
2. In some ways, Yes
3. No, he is high on the Spirit
With suped-up production value, under the guidance of general market all stars like Daren Doane, Eric Stenman, Shaun Lopez, and Howie Beno, Clarity brings us a refined, powerful mix quality to support EDL's smooth rhymes, thunderous beats, and ripping licks. This album is more hook oriented than their past albums, with indie rock sensibilities and an intriguing element of playfulness in the song-writing and attitude. This is all relative to their past works though, because only a long time EDL fan could safely call any song on this album Pop music. The new listener would surely not recognize the more toned down vibe, because this album will "rip your face off." Tedd gets just as massive on this album as on "Disgruntled," with furious rebukes of ignorance and social hatred. But, here is the cool thing. He also has a lot of fun with other songs, showcasing his rhyme spilling ability in grand fashion, with pure hip hop grooves like "The Choice is Yours." The band also gets to show off their diverse talent in track 13, an indie rock remix of "Endurance."
With smarter song-writing, matured passion and poignancy, "Clarity" does live up to its hype. It is truly one of the most well-rounded albums of this year, and is brimming with innovation, creativity, diversity, fury, and love. As a long time EDL enthusiast, I was a bit worried about popping this one in after hearing that it was not going to be as violent as their last two. But I can honestly say that I am very impressed and happy with their new direction, and I think that hardcore and hip hop music are both well represented by this album.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #79Reviewed by Doug Van PeltWow! Imagine if the monster rapcore band E.D.L. joined forces with Faith No More... This is the kind of commercialism that E.D.L. has added to their potent sound. Tedd Cookerly's scary monster vocals are still backed up by the ferocious and creative guitar playing of Carl Weaver (see "Adieu"), but the band collectively is churning up a new mix of dance, hip-hop, and pop. Overall, this album is…7ball #24Reviewed by David JenisonIn 1996, EDL emerged as a contender in Christian rapcore with their sophomore American Standard. The album secured EDL a solid fanbase with its pop-influenced touch, but both the market and EDL were ready for a heavier, more underground sound when it came time for a third project. Produced by Eric Stenman of Tinfed, Moment of Clarity takes EDL deeper into the rapcore scene with energized hip-hop…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Michial FarmerIt's easy to tell what the latest craze in Christian music is. Just look at the independent bands, and if they all seem to be playing the same style of music, you've got yourself a trend. Lately, it seems that every unsigned Christian band in the nation is playing some derivative of hardcore. Labels like Screaming Giant and Bettie Rocket are signing these bands by the boatload, and you're no…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Joe RockstrohWhat a shame that when Christian music finally graduates some quality bands to the mainstream, they release sub par albums. While there are some high quality songs such as the radio ripe "Represent" and the screaming, classic EDL hardcore of "Let It Ride", the atrocious rapping that permeates many of the songs ruins a good portion of this album. The contrast between the polished radio ready…Similar sounding releases
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