Let's make this clear up front - this is an a cappella recording, but if you didn't know that, you might think the group has a full band behind them. Through the wonders of effects processing, these 13 original songs push at the boundaries of previously held definitions of a cappella! The production adds tones that could only be made by instruments before, and while Five O' Clock Shadow is still essentially a pop band, they have more grit and a welcome edge. The arrangements, as exemplified by the wistfully engaging "Halo" and progressive "Interlude," are intricately textured and choreographed. The title track, with its hip descending line and devastatingly singable melody, should be igniting radios everywhere. The FOCS have been VH1 darlings of late, and we can hear why. |
