Scott and Christine Denté, the husband-and-wife duo that make up Out of the Grey, have made a name for themselves by weaving aural tapestries comprised of guitar and synthesizer, coupled with tenderness and passion. Their fourth release, Gravity, is another benchmark work, being a piece deftly combining the lush sound we have come to expect from them with the chemistry and the spontaneity seen in their live performances. Gravity should draw many new listeners to this outstanding group.
The album has both up-tempo romps and emotional ballads that linger in our hearts. Christine Denté, a true chanteuse, skillfully works her voice down both sides of the sonic street. What sets Gravity apart from The Shape Of Grace and Diamond Days (which were formulaic, but nonetheless pleasing, albums), is a raw, improvisational gusto that flows from every riff. Muscular guitar chords undergird the synth melodies, providing both accent and strength. This is not wispy pop, but full-bodied stuff. It's the kind of music in which the tune ripples and swells and flexes, complementing the work of Christine's adroit and powerful voice. The vocal arrangements on Gravity maximize Christine's range and utilize the distinctive vocal textures that earmark her delivery.
Furthermore, this album, more than any other, begins to give Scott's amazing guitar prowess its due outlet. "Hope In Sight" teams Scott's amazing acoustic chops with the considerable electric talent of Gordon Kennedy (formerly of White Heart and most recently in Susan Ashton's band). On "Hope" the guitars drive the melody and Out of the Grey uses only bass, tambourine, and drums to back it up. Gravity seems to be a project in which Scott and Christine are exploring the boundaries of their abilities and the results are rewarding and refreshing. The musical styles that they touch upon in their exploration give this album a diversity and depth that is stimulating.
Lyrically, Gravity speaks of the seriousness of what holds us in place and keeps us focused in the daily Christian walk and also illuminates the compelling force of a relationship with God that leads onward toward eternity and Christ-likeness. Christine Denté writes the majority of the lyrics and one can sense a real maturity in her craft. The first single from the album and my favorite cut, "We Never Got To Paris," shares the seasoned insight of a wife and mother:
This cup filled up so quickly There's too much on our plate Between the living and the dying Some things must wait We may never get to Paris And find the cafe of our dreams But our table still will hold a world of memories.
Another lyrical gem, "Pretending," reminds us of the need for true transparency and honesty in our interactions with others:
It's so easy To see right through me Trying to be better than I am What we need more Is to be sure We can be forgiven for Pretending.
On a lighter topic, "Dreaming Of April," has some clever turns of the phrase which personify the anticipation of spring. The imagery Christine uses is similar to that of the Simon and Garfunkel standard, "April Come She Will." Gravity is a rare find. It has a weightiness and quality to its content that conveys wisdom, and it showcases the guitar and vocal interchanges that have made Out of the Grey such superb live performers.
Similar sounding releases
1996Susan AshtonA Distant Call
2005The MartinsDecade
1996Cheri KeaggyMy Faith Will Stay
1996SierraDevotion
1995Wes KingCommon Creed
1995East to WestNorth Of The Sky
