Article One
Colors and Sounds
Inpop
Grade – C+

Colors and Sounds, the sophomore release from Article One, is a decent follow-up to their label debut. The CD is 14 tracks long, including two short instrumental interludes. Furthermore, I had read that the band put a considerable amount of time in writing and preparing for this release.

Despite the strong effort, in some ways the CD is quite average. The influence of producer Tedd T. seems to have taken the band in a sonic direction more closely to other bands that he has produced (Newsboys, Mute Math). Additionally, some tracks hover over mundane pop-radio and a lot seems lost from their debut – hence the lower grade.

The themes portrayed in the lyrics include struggles with faith and the world and taking courage in God’s divine love. My favorite track is the piano focused ballad “Angels.” This is one of the songs that have a strong focus on encouraging believers. The song itself was derived from a statement that Billy Graham made about looking to God for encouragement – “the angels are nearer than you think.”

You can find the band on MySpace, where you can listen and purchase individual tracks from this and their self-title debut.

- Ken W.