Tracy Darlington

Colors and Sounds by Article One

Reviewed by Adrian B. Martinez

 

"This fresh sounding album and personable songwriting is a must for fans who are missing Creed or who cannot wait for the new Dave Matthews Band album."

 

What an appropriate title Article One selected for its sophomore release from InPop Records. From start to finish, Article One has crafted an amazing collection of Colors and Sounds on this release.

Showing influences that range from The Fray, Vegas Rockers the Killers, to French Alternative Rock Band Phoenix, this 14-track project boasts an impressive 1-2 punch in founding members and brothers, Nathan and Mattew Piche. The brothers Piche, in addition to writing a majority of the tracks, supplying vocals, guitars, piano and violin have also taken to producing on this set. Rounding out this quartet is Dave DeSmit (drums and vocals) and Mark Laidman (bass).

Taking their name from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (featured on U2’s Vertigo Tour), which states that we're all born equal and should therefore treat each other equally, it's the Canadian trio’s way of reminding themselves of Jesus' command to love others, while also reflecting their desire to reach Christian and secular audiences alike.

With Colors and Sounds they have managed to create an enjoyable Christian album, combing three-part harmonies, piano-based pop/rock, colored by Matt’s violin throughout. Just listen to “Love you tomorrow”. Lyrically we understand that it is the Lord who is saying, “… Whatever comes, if it be joy or sorrow … I promise you that I will love you tomorrow...” it is just so beautifully done. As the song comes to what the listener would assume is its natural end, we are treated to a relaxing instrumental send-off cradled by the violin.

This song and many others on this album offer subtleties in their lyrics that make it accessible to secular audiences. Make no doubt about it though, there’s Christian inspiration behind almost every track, and I am not referring to the obvious “Angels” or “Looking for Angels”. Article One tackles the uncertainty of life (“Without you” (I’m Not Alright), friendship (“Never too Late to Call”), and the realization of the Lord in your life (“Above all Else”).

This fresh sounding album and personable songwriting is a must for fans who are missing Creed or who cannot wait for the new Dave Matthews Band album. They even conclude their album with an instrumental track worthy of inclusion on a Mannheim Steamroller album. Who does that? Article One, that’s who.