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Victoria Awake contacted me after spotting my review of the sampler they posted on Noisetrade and provided me with their albums for a Full review.
This is that review and the thoughts on each of these songs are my own - I will try and put what I think of EVERY song, and will even re-review the ones I did before.
For the first band to offer this to me.. and follow through with it (I have had other offers.. just no follow throughs..) I am going to do my best!
IF YOU'LL HAVE ME
"Falling On Our Swords" - This is probably my favorite on the album - the message is certainly applicable in my life.. the idea that we feel compelled to take ourselves out because of our failures yet understanding that God can pull us from those times - as we need to do is ask! Everything in this song sounds good - clear lyrics, understandable and works great with the instruments.. some great musical moments in this song!!
"Fail Like We Do" - Sometimes knowing that someone else is going through the same problems you are, is actually encouraging - We can - and Should be willing to share our pains with one another .. it could pull both (or more) of you out of the rut. This song has some great energy - it sounds great!
"Two Worlds" - "believe that God is good and that grace fills the spaces between" ... A hope to keep you moving ... is pointless without an almighty goal (which should be the hope) Again this song is good and clear, though I think I am missing something from the message of the song... Listening some more I am getting it.. two worlds.. ah the unseen mixed with the seen - and the breaking of those two that we see God working in our side! Nicely done!
"Come Away" - I really like the intro to this - very cool sounding.. the instruments with this song are awesome sounding - and they added the vocals well also! I am not sure what the "beauty" really is in this song, but I really got pulled into the music! The line "You with me in sickness" makes me think it is a wife, but .. again I am not certain... though as the song finishes this seems more and more possible
"What Was I Thinking" - This is one of those songs that really go through my head after 'again' doing something foolish... That is kind of a no-brainier based on the title of the song, but I think they really captured this feeling in the song.. just that anger that i would have in myself for those mistakes... At first the end with multiple singers was odd and confusing, but honestly this was artistically a good choice because that is really the way .. at least I know the way I feel in those situations.
"Elegy" - This is instrumental .. well done.. and almost has a Gregorian monk feel to it at parts (except for the instruments... )
"Home" - "So many people try to sell me on their own shattered dreams" ... this is something that is hard not to do.. you see someone with potential and you decide that you will make them who YOU wanted to be. I do the best I can not to do that - and as well do the best you can to not have someone do that to you - God has a plan for you and it likely does not involve you becoming someone's clone!! Run for your dream!!
"Lovers or Fighters?" - This song had some really hard rock moments that were just awesome!! I think this song was encouraging others to look at the world as a lover instead of a fighter.. and that I can get behind!
"I Know Where I'd Go" - I am not sure on this one.. I am pretty sure they are singing about a girl, but as well it feels like they are wanting to snuff out 'bullying' and user in 'encouragement' ... "dark feeds on dark" ... "you gotta know, your beautiful" The sound on this is great (even though some.. some of the meaning is eluding me) I love the melodic part that starts about 3 minutes in.. and the crescendo that it moves into is powerful.
"Youth" - Just the first line speaks volumes!! "No Regrets" .. I say often when faced with the regret question that I would not change anything, because I would not be who I am without what has happened in my life, but to be perfectly honest.. there are things that I certainly regret.. even though that have taught me valuable lessons that keep me from going to those direction again! The electric guitar near the end of this song is wonderful!! just wonderful!!
"Intentions Overworn" - This song felt like it was a bit too much full.. actually what was odd is that it felt like another song was playing behind the first one.. they did not flow well enough.. besides that this song was good! The mirror part was very strong and 100% a fear that I have for myself - and do what I can to not become that monster.. and that 'two song' problem is throughout the song.. and kind of makes me want to change to the next track.. (I finished the song)
"Please Don't Let It Get To You" - This song pulled a bit away from the standard sound that they seem to have.. it was still close to it, but I just felt like the music was just... well more open .. free.. I have no idea what that means, but anyway.. As for the message .. I liked it.. another encouraging word here - to be able to take something and move on! "Sometimes dreams are fulfilled, moments before they die" .. this is actually encouraging - even though it does not sound it.. you can understand that pushing through and keeping your heart on your dream.. then you will not quit when it is fulfilled ... that you can continue in it.. not flounder and die in the fulfillment of your dream!!
"This Melody" - it may seem simple but this was certainly the softest and most melodic of all the songs. I think it is a great way to end the album! A great sound!!
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They have a great sound - certainly strong and some well and deep messages! I really enjoyed listening! Some of it was challenging, but it was all good! Nothing on the album was too different from anything else.. the same basic rhythm and genre is used the entire time.
Take a listen and get yourself a copy if you enjoy it!!
$13 For Immediate Download In many formats
$40 For a Package that includes TONS of goodies (see bandcamp for details)
HIGH HOPES & HALF SMILES
These versions of the same songs are a bit softer.. more acoustic.. less heavy rock.. less electric... (I really like these versions!!)
and no.. I am not going to re-review the songs that I just reviewed for the other album that are on this album..
"Open Grave" - the lyrics of this seem to be the same as another one, but at the moment I cannot figure it out.. no biggie.. :) good stuff!!
$3 - For Immediate Download In many formats
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