Positive "Rec Room Magazine" Review

[Axtech]

From Rec Room Magazine:

Our Lady Peace

Gravity

Columbia Records

Written by Debbie Cavallo



I was hoping Gravity, the fifth release by Canadian rockers Our Lady Peace, would be able to top Spiritual Machines- then I realized that just isn't possible. No need to worry; you will not be disappointed one bit with this album. As always, Raine Maida blows me away with his vocal talents. Maida's voice is something you can’t explain. It’s a brave, powerful voice that holds a sweet bitterness to it. I can taste the sadness through his words. His wavering vocal chords lace their music with an emotional twist, churning through power chords and his own vulnerability.

The record opens up with "All For You"- heavy modern-rock guitar playing joined with contemporary, yet somewhat aggressive drumming and bass. Gravity is a mix between seething rock songs and heart-felt, hopeful ballads, such as "Somewhere Out There" (which is NOT a Linda Ronstadt cover). Maida seems to be hoping a friend might return. He knows it may be a long time a way, but even through the agony of waiting on a bed of nails, he does not lose his faith.

Our Lady Peace didn’t go out of their way to become something they’re not or drastically change their style. However they did do some experimenting. Beautiful string arrangements (performed by Bob Buckley and Jamie Edwards) were added to "Somewhere Out There" and "Bring Back The Sun." They grew on this record, but stayed true to their melancholy, yet optimistic song writing style. They never get too negative, but they keep in mind that life is hard at times, which we can all relate to at some time or another.

Track number seven, "Made Of Steel," is Maida's way of confessing he can't be a hero, but he's willing to give his all even when it may not be enough. ("Hold your head high/Don’t look down/I’m by your side/Won’t back down/You wanted a hero tonight/Well I’m not made of steel.")

Their music is something you slowly fall in love with. The first listen is always good, but it just keeps getting better every time. I was expecting something more along the lines of what Spiritual Machines was, however, what’s the point of making a record if it’s going to sound the same as the one you made before? Fans want new material, and Gravity is exactly that- new, raw, powerful, and comforting.

Raine Maida, along with Duncan Coutts, bass, Steve Mazur, guitar, and Jeremy Taggart, drums, continues to charge with this album, leading an army of excellent and variously influenced musicians to conquer the world.