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...BEFORE AN AUDIENCE OF STARS...
Tracklist: Dreaming (3.44), Time Alone (5.27), Among the Leaves (4.34), I Can't Believe (4.13), Lure (5.17), Surrender (5.54), Remember The Stars (4.42), Lovelorn (6.01), Persia (4.09), The Red and the Black
(9.03), Bluer Skies (4.47), To Dance By Moonlight (live) (4.43), The Calling (3.04), Return of the Old Forest (1.52).
Arise From Thorns were formed, in Virginia, in 1997 by Scott Loose (electric and acoustic guitar) and Trevor Schrotz (drums and percussion), with Scott's sister Michelle Loose providing vocals and playing keyboards.
This trio recorded an eponymous first album in '98, and the same year were joined by bassist Chris Welborn. The final member of the band, Tom Phillips (guitar), was recruited during the recording of '...Before an Audience of Stars...', which was originally put out by the band themselves in 1999.
This Dark Symphonies' release features three additional tracks and revised artwork. In March of last year, the band changed their name to Brave and they are working on material for their next album under that name.
The band's sound is generally guitar led, with some nice acoustic guitar work evident on several songs. In fact, the album begins with a gentle guitar sound over a heavy rhythm on the intro to 'Dreaming'.
Accomplished acoustic guitar playing takes over and continues on beneath the vocals. After a fairly pacey first section, this number slows to a moody instrumental section before the pace lifts and the vocals
cut in again ...
'Time Alone' starts slow and, throughout the piece, alternates this slow part with more upbeat, heavier sectors.
This song is made for me by the fabulous, smoothly performed guitar work which highlights the number and lifts the spirits.
In 'Among the Leaves' the vocals are set against a background that is mostly pretty stark, almost harsh, making Michelle's great voice sound even sweeter. Orchestration is used to soften the effect towards the
end of the song.
And so the music goes on; beautiful, mellow, subtle and yet uplifting.
The track 'Surrender' opens with an effectively arranged keyboard tune that gives way for the rest of the band to take over when the vocals begin, and more superbly played acoustic guitar work features in the latter part of the song.
'Lovelorn' is a beautiful and atmospheric slow number with sweeping orchestration and some nice keyboard work ... an effective and compelling number.
'Persia' is quite a contrast and has a slightly disturbing air. Fittingly, this song has an eastern sound, and an agitated sounding beat which creates the feeling of unease.
The eastern feel continues and pervades the initial section of 'The Red and the Black'. The second part consists of a instrumental section, featuring guitar, that gradually builds up in intensity.
The final part combines the vocals with strong instrumental work to provide an emotional ending.
'Bluer Skies' is an upbeat, swiftly moving number with great vocals and guitar work, backed by some nice subtle orchestration.
'To Dance By Moonlight' was recorded live and is the first of the additional tracks on this album and proves that the band are as accomplished when playing live as in the studio.
The album closes with 'The Calling' with its sparkling guitar work and the brief 'Return of the Old Forest', a sweet sounding instrumental piece.
The pairing of Michelle's powerful yet pure vocals with brother Scott's masterly guitar work makes a great sound, and they're ably backed up by the other members of the band.
Together, they have created a fine album - and it deserves a wider audience.
Arise From Thorns' music is comparable to, and will be appreciated by those who enjoy bands such as the Cranberries, Solstice and Renaissance. Listen to some of the band's music on the Brave website.
Marisa 25th March, 2001
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