Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music on Amazon!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

The Vespers

The Vespers
The Fourth Wall

Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks: 50 minutes, 40 seconds
Street Date: April 3, 2012


Occasionally, we come across bands that seem to be sadly overlooked; indie band The Vespers, would definitely fall into that category. Their debut Tell Your Mama introduced listeners to an Eisley-esque sound with a folk twist. With their latest release, The Fourth Wall, the gals and guys of The Vespers turn up the volume and are offering something that should unquestionably not be overlooked.

The album opens with the melancholy "Better Now." It's an excellent interpretation of the story of the healed blind man found in the gospel of John. Normally, slower songs aren't the safest way to begin an album, but in this case the lyrical and musical depth sets the listener up for a very mature and well thought-out collection of songs. "Flower Flower" is an excellent pick-me-up and truly builds off of the folk style - complete with banjo. This is followed tremendously by the worshipful "Instrument for You;" the soft pure acoustic and vocals are reminiscent of bluegrass legend Alison Krauss. The lyrics are honest and sweet as the sisters sing, "How pure their praise appears so lovely in your ears. All that I could do, be an instrument for you." The same gentle approach can be found on the haunting "Lawdy" and "Daughter."

However, it must be stated that some of the greatest highlights of the album are the tracks with a little more grit to them. "Got No Friends" and "Grinnin In Your Face" feature a little more tension and growl in the vocals as they match tough content found in the lyrics. Those accustomed to classic grass-roots folk are sure to love it, while others will enjoy the soft beauty of "Will You Love Me" and the piano driven "Winter." This excellent balance of toughness and tenderness is what makes the album really cohesive and special.

On a slightly critical note, sonically the album does seem a little empty. There are moments that feel like they are missing more instruments, but on the other hand, it's that raw and hollow sound that leaves a lasting positive impact. Listeners might be able to grasp what the band sounds like in a live setting, which is something that many artists struggle to capture on studio recordings.

While at the end of the day it can't be called a flawless album, it is something of a gem that folk-lovers need to hear. The music is thoughtful, the lyrics are real, and the all around effect on people is positive. For those who want something fresh and different to begin the spring season, this album is an excellent choice. Well done.

- Review date: 4/2/12, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Listen to the debut EP from the band Hopeful.!

 

. Record Label: None
. Album length: 12 tracks: 50 minutes, 40 seconds
. Street Date: April 3, 2012
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Better Now (3:39)
  2. Flower Flower (3:19)
  3. Instrument for You (3:33)
  4. Close My Eyes (3:49)
  5. Got No Friends (4:31)
  6. Lawdy (4:37)
  7. Jolly Robber (3:09)
  8. Grinnin In Your Face (3:50)
  9. Footprints in the Snow (4:56)
  10. Daughter (5:28)
  11. Will You Love Me (4:36)
  12. Winter (5:17)

 

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

                 
Listen to the debut EP from the band Hopeful.!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, March 26, 2024
ALBUMS
Brandon Lake Apple Music Nashville Sessions - EP [Provident]

This Thursday, March 28, 2024
ALBUMS
David And Nicole Binion The Revelation Of Jesus - EP [Integrity]
The Rocky Valentines Erase [Velvet Blue/Tooth & Nail]

This Friday, March 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Grungepunks The Fall Blues EP [Charon Collective]
Meadows Familiar with Pain [Facedown]

SINGLES
Joe L. Barnes Altar - Single [RCAI]
iNTELLECT It Ain’t My Fault - Single [Polished Arrow]
Spoken Worth Holy Week - Double Single (independent)
Gileah Taylor Summer Jubilee - Single [Velvet Blue]

VINYL
Battlecross Pursuit of Honor (Blood Moon Vinyl) [Back Breaker]
Battlecross Rise To Power (Silver Bullet Power Vinyl) [Back Breaker]
Battlecross War of Will (Amber Wave Vinyl) [Back Breaker]

Next Friday, April 5, 2024
ALBUMS
EmanuelDaProphet Fab5 [Capitol CMG]
Me'Kayla Prelude - EP [Motown Gospel/Capitol CMG]
We Are Messengers Where the Joy is [Curb]


For all release dates, click here!
 



Listen to the new album from Hope Beyond Suffering!




Listen to the new Album From Tim Juillet!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images