The Fourth Wall by the Vespers is an interesting study in the development of a young band. The talent is there. The music is well written. The Cryars have interesting and easy to listen to voices.
There is a lot to like here.
The Vespers will be a very popular band with different types of people. In many ways, they remind of traditional Bluegrass with references to God, Jesus and faith. In some songs parable works very well, but songs like "Instrument For You" would be better if the songwriting dialed back the Jesus themes a little bit and was a touch more subtle.
"Got No Friends" is about as close to a standard Folk song as any young group has put out. While it adequately represents faith they promote. It puts the music first. The first seven songs are a study in faith-based roots music. I could see them played at any Bluegrass Festival. "Got No Friends" stands comfortably alongside some of the better written songs in the tradition of faith in a better world and a better plight.
There is a Son House cover “Grinnin In Your Face” that marks a change in the album. Hearing the album for the first time can cause whiplash. “Footprints in the Snow” is kind of a poppy song that feels a little out of place.
"Daughter" is an interesting experiment that makes me think that someone listened to a lot of Fleetwood Mac. The harmonies are excellent. There is a place in the middle where they do a drum thing that made me think something was wrong with my CD Player. The Fourth Wall shows a band attempting to find its direction. Daughter brings this tension out in the middle of the song.
“Will You Love Me” is my favorite track on The Fourth Wall. It brings everything together. It has a timeless quality that is comfortable everywhere. It is poppy, peppy and just generally well done. It takes time for a young band to find its voice.
The Vespers give something for everyone on The Fourth Wall. The Vespers potential is unlimited once they decide which direction they are going.
The Fourth Wall takes us in a lot of different directions. It is an enjoyable trip worth taking.
There is a lot to like here.
The Vespers will be a very popular band with different types of people. In many ways, they remind of traditional Bluegrass with references to God, Jesus and faith. In some songs parable works very well, but songs like "Instrument For You" would be better if the songwriting dialed back the Jesus themes a little bit and was a touch more subtle.
"Got No Friends" is about as close to a standard Folk song as any young group has put out. While it adequately represents faith they promote. It puts the music first. The first seven songs are a study in faith-based roots music. I could see them played at any Bluegrass Festival. "Got No Friends" stands comfortably alongside some of the better written songs in the tradition of faith in a better world and a better plight.
There is a Son House cover “Grinnin In Your Face” that marks a change in the album. Hearing the album for the first time can cause whiplash. “Footprints in the Snow” is kind of a poppy song that feels a little out of place.
"Daughter" is an interesting experiment that makes me think that someone listened to a lot of Fleetwood Mac. The harmonies are excellent. There is a place in the middle where they do a drum thing that made me think something was wrong with my CD Player. The Fourth Wall shows a band attempting to find its direction. Daughter brings this tension out in the middle of the song.
“Will You Love Me” is my favorite track on The Fourth Wall. It brings everything together. It has a timeless quality that is comfortable everywhere. It is poppy, peppy and just generally well done. It takes time for a young band to find its voice.
The Vespers give something for everyone on The Fourth Wall. The Vespers potential is unlimited once they decide which direction they are going.
The Fourth Wall takes us in a lot of different directions. It is an enjoyable trip worth taking.
Written by Steve Wells
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