The opening strains of melancholy strings are a definite tip-off that Common Children is trying to put some distance between the predominantly grunge territory of its debut, Skywire, and the more subdued sounds of Delicate Fade. Guitarist/vocalist Mark Byrd, bassist Drew Powell and percussionist Hampton Eugene now pick their moments to howl (literally and figuratively) more judiciously, opting instead to perform with what might be described as a "quiet intensity." That's not to suggest all the wind has gone out of the band's sails, only that Common Children is determined to show it has more than a "one note samba" to offer. The patient listener will appreciate the sophisticated approach the band takes, increasing the volume gradually over the first four tracks of the disc, before finally allowing you the cathartic release of track five, "Burn." That song and "Pulse" are really the only tunes which strongly suggest the Skywire sound. Otherwise, Byrd, Powell & Eugene have moved toward modern rock staples such as Radiohead, Oasis, Bush, The Cure and The Choir. Delicate Fade was designed as a song cycle, but several songs, even taken out of context, stand out: "Indiscreet," with its powerful statement, I bleed for you / I crawl for you / I fold myself / and I break in two; "Eyes of God," which expresses the Lord's simultaneous love for and disappointment in us; "Pulse," which finds two hearts that once beat to the same rhythm now out of synch, and "Drift/Blue Raft/Storm Boy," a mini-epic which closes the album. This trilogy uses the metaphor of being adrift at sea and seeking comfort and direction. As with Skywire, what earns Delicate Fade its unique spot is the writing and vocal prowess of Mark Byrd. Byrd writes with an introspection that is so soul-baring as to almost be discomforting to the listener. As much as it is a healing thing to commune over these lyrics, you may, from time to time, find yourself thinking, "too much information." Still Common Children must be applauded for being painfully honest. It's certainly a welcome change from what one hears on many current releases.
Other coverage for this album
Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Nathan CoblentzDelicate Fade, although very different from Skywire, is more of a gathering of new influences than a departure, and finds Common Children moving further from Nirvana-esque grunge and closer to the likes of the Choir, (who produced the album and contributed bgvs and percussion) Jars of Clay, and Oasis. Lyrically, there is less angst and more poetry here. "Eyes of God" speaks on God's healing,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinThe contrast here between the melodic, catchy neo-ballads and the abrasive, loud, post-grunge rockers is so vast that this album can seem schizophrenic. It's as if the chummy cello-playing Dr. Children at times grabs a mean guitar and becomes the darker alter-ego, Mr. Common. Variety is good, but most folks aren't in the mood for mixing mellow and mosh at the same time. And yet, repeated listens…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartCommon Children's debut won them a fair bit of acclaim, but this sophomore album looks set to surpass that. Steve Hindalong has been quoted saying this is the best album he's produced, and there seems to be a fair bit of excitement around concerning Common Children. The album begins with a laidback track, bringing in cellos and violins to open affairs and then basing things around a passionate,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Mark J. AylorCommon Children return with their second release Delicate Fade and it really is an excellent effort. While this doesn't have the intensity of their first album, it is still a powerful performance. The grungier sound from their first album has been toned down and now they have a more mature Choir-like (Free Flying Soul) sound. They can still crank it out as shown on the songs "Burn" and "Pulse"…Similar sounding releases
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