The brainchild of Shannon Lewis, Set on Edge returns with its cast of thousands on the EP A Story to Cling To. At times folky and acoustic, at others laid back and almost jazzy, Set on Edge gives eight songs this time out with themes of maturity, fear, love, and loss.
"Passing Into Life" recalls other indie artists such as Mary's Den or First Water, and deals with individual growth, stating that "If there's anything that I've learned it's that don't remember all that much I've learned".
At other points, SOE reminds us they are from the South, adopting the jam/blues/folk method that evokes Widespread Panic, Blues Traveler, or Ben Folds. This is especially evident in "A Story to Cling To" and "The Weaker David". Lewis reminds me of Bill Mallonee here, in that whatever he reads or hears inspires his lyrics. C.S. Lewis, Larry Crabb, George Gershwin, and several hymns are cited as contributors to this album.
Three bonus tracks are included. "Summertime" is a reworking of the old Gershwin tune, with credit given to Karin Bergquist (Over the Rhine) for the arrangement. "4 A.M." is a plea to Christ, admitting that "I don't know if I can trust you...but I know that if there's honesty it's found in only thee." "Pneumatology" is a spoken word piece by Lewis that takes on a free form poetry/sermon style, reminiscent of "Driving to Midnight Mass", an old U2 outtake.
A Story to Cling To at times feels disjointed, as if the songs here were written at different times, and compiled later. There are some sublime moments here, and some that are less satisfying. Lewis' talents as a songwriter, however, cannot be questioned.
3 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2002Reviewed by Jason MoreheadAllow me a pretentious rock critic oversimplification, if only for the purposes of this review. While walking around the campgrounds at this year's Cornerstone festival, it seemed as if there were, in fact, two festivals going on. On one side of the river of dirt that passes for the campgrounds' main road, a motley assortment of pop-punk, hardcore, and rapcore bands duked it out for the attention…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Dr. Bruce L. ThiessenIf A Story to Cling To is any measure of their potential, Set On Edge are growing up to become gentle giants. Their mild, mollifying music and pleadingly prayerful lyrics go down nice and smooth without being too eager to please. The gentle giant's gentle giant, Glen Campbell, said it best when he sang, "Gentle On My Mind." I must warn those of my psychologist colleagues who specialize in…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Dan SingletonSet on Edge exudes the same impressions I often get from Phil Keaggy. That is, particular tracks assure the listener the band is talented, but one can't help but wishing Set on Edge would go to that well more often. Like Keaggy, Set on Edge, or at least this album, A Story to Cling To, offers a little too much straight-ahead modern folk blues for artists capable of so much more. The band whets…Similar sounding releases
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