Inhabited is one of those groups that enjoyed a good bit of independent success before being signed to a major label. Fans of the group have grown to enjoy them for their honesty and depth, especially as seen in many of the e-mails written to the group's list that are written by lead singer, Sara Acker.
Signing to Fervent Records enabled the group to expand their borders and has given them a chance to spread their message and music. The group says on their website that it is their vision that "this album cause an awakening that brings about change." The group also says that "it is their passion to bring hope to the hopeless, truth to the lost, freedom to those who are captivity, and strength to the weary."
So how is their debut album? Musically, it is girl-fronted pop-rock, not quite rocking as hard as the sounds which have become more popular recently with groups such as Superchic[k]. The album opens with some grinding guitars, which quickly segue into Sara Acker's unique vocals. The opening song, "Open My Eyes" may start with a fairly rock sound but it shifts into more of a lighter pop rock feel. "Rescue Me" also starts with some hard guitars but shifts into more of a pop rock feel. This is par for the course for many songs on this album, starting off with some rocking guitars but shifting into more of a pop rock feel. The album slows down for "One More Night," which the group dedicates to all those who have ever felt unwanted or unloved.
One of the highlights of the album is the anthematic "Everybody Listen", where Sara Acker sings:
You're scared they will listen
So you've tried to keep us down
Yeah, we've got something to say
We're not sell outs, won't apologize
We won't buy, won't sell your pretty lies...
This echoes the group's vision as described above.
Another standout track is "Memories," which features more of a synth-driven sound in contrast to the guitar driven pop-rock feel of most of the rest of the album
One of the albums weak points is surprisingly its lyrics. Sara and Marcus Acker wrote or co-wrote every song on the album and none of them really stand out lyrically. They don't tread any new ground lyrically, instead featuring what listeners have heard countless times before.
Inhabited doesn't live up to its potential on this album. Musically, they feature a pop-rock sound that has been done before. Lyrically, the songs sound too much like what music fans have heard many times before. This is, though, a group with promise. With the right people around them helping train them and build them up, they could be an interesting group to watch in the future.
2.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #114Reviewed by Dan MacIntoshIt’s an odd title, since Inhabited is anything but revolutionary sounding. Instead, it’s a throwback to female pop-rock artists like Pat Benatar, and a crisp, clean, guitar-centric effort. Sara Acker’s clearly up to the task on this disc’s rockers, but shines brightest during its quieter tracks, “One More Night” and “Where Are You (Angel).” Inhabited stands strong on its comfortable spot. Ratings…Similar sounding releases
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