Alex Band
April 25, 2008
Independent release
Live Again
This self-titled EP (can’t really call it a debut) starts off with Live Again, which has some good guitar work that shows a dynamic interaction with Alex’s signature vocals. The opener takes a rock approach rather than a pop approach, and that was probably a good choice as it brings energy and emotion right in the beginning of this EP. And Alex Band shows that a strong rock song can still have some great pop hooks. Great start.
Rest Of Our Lives
Rest Of Our Lives is a song that’s been around for awhile. The acoustic-natured pop song has a focus on the strong vocals and build-up. It has a very good radio format and might just propel Band’s career back into national attention.
Only One
Only One features keys, and the color of the keys blends really well with the tenor vocals. Musically it’s not the strongest track on this EP, but it is a decent song and might be a fan favorite anyway. I’d be interested in hearing a completely stripped version with just Alex & the piano, because the vocals are excellent.
Coming Home
Lead song Coming Home is without a doubt the best one on this EP. Catchy, strong build-up and good hooks. Lyrically it’s exactly what we’re used to from Alex Band and it makes for a very good sing-along and live song too. When released to radio this will become huge on college radio, do well on national radio and with a good video, I wouldn’t be surprised to see music TV carry this into the charts.
Fame
Fame closes the album. Alex Band used a couple of samples and effects in this song that don’t work for me. It takes away from the nature of the song. Band’s strength has always been to write melodic pop/rock songs with good hooks and pretty strong lyrics. These samples and effects can’t replace his hooks and thus the song doesn’t do as much to me. It lacks power and passion.
With this first solo release, Alex Band doesn’t really go into unknown territory, and why should he? He’s had success with this format and he does it well. Five solid pop songs with radio potential and mostly good vocals and vocal-guitar interaction that give the songs a very catchy feel. Songs like Live Again & Coming Home show that Alex Band is still going strong.