Split Level
glo.bal
Reviewed by Bruce A. Brown
Split Level is a trio which hails from Ireland. Although the band's history dates back nearly a decade, and it has had two previous best-selling releases in Europe, glo.bal is Split Level's international debut. As it's an energetic amalgamation of the many influences which the group has soaked up over the years, "modern rock" would seem much too narrow a description of Split Level's sound. The group artfully mixes '80s New Wave (such as Elvis Costello and Graham Parker), power pop (like The Plimsouls or Undertones) and '90s roots rock (Counting Crows, Tom Petty). Much credit should go to producer Rick Elias, who is a contemporary of Split Level in both age and influences. The band clearly had a great time in the studio, under Elias' sharp guidance. Since there's not a pervasive Christian music "scene" in the U.K., that means bands based there can often take greater liberties with their lyrics (no airplay equals no advertisers to offend, I suppose). Split Level is not brash, but rather, thought-provoking. "Shrinking Brain" adulterates "the troubles" in Northern Ireland; "If I Should Leave" reminds us not to try and escape God's watchful eye "by the back door"; "Twister" shows how quickly and easily the truth can be distorted, while "Emily" is a pointed expose of the underground abortion movement in Great Britain. Brimming with both spunk and compassion, glo.bal is a welcome calling card from a terrific band.