Gin Blossoms’ 2010 album, “No Chocolate Cake”, is an effort four years after their strong come-back album, “Major Lodge Victory”. Though it does not hold as big a candle to their 2006 release, the lyrics to many Gin Blossoms songs have achieved in recalling the love and loss familiar in a more innocent past. This album is no exception.
This summer, Ed Kowalczyk released his first solo record, “Alive”, following the recent demise of the band Live. The split is not without musical politics, and Kowalczyk, claiming a profound sense of re-birth and revival his of music career, sings with a greater spiritual awareness — and perhaps a little bit of irony. Post-grunge lovers who are affected by their split and are looking for a sound reminiscent of the Live’s days of yore can seek refuge in the sound of this album.
In March of 2010, California alternative band Lifehouse released “Smoke & Mirrors”, complete with a slightly new sound. As a Lifehouse fan since the early 2000′s, I bounce back and forth in the following album review between being a purist for the old sound and applauding their conscious efforts at a musical evolution.
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Singaporean alternative/indie quartet The Fire Fight release the concept album “Henri” two year after breaking into the local music scene through Baybeats. Inside out, the project is a testament to a labour of love.