Here's something different for you. In the modern tradition of Northwest music, Vox Dei brings us a new spin on classic Emotive music. The most striking unique point about this band is that their emoting would actually be considered singing by most. Don't get me wrong, I love the raw, throaty style of typical emo, but this is quite refreshing nonetheless. Keven Barrans' has a vocal style that almost resembles Queensryche, with an opera-trained feel to it, yet it is delivered in a very non-opera manner. While his voice doesn't ever really "crack," it does get raspy at times, and the appropriate scream is let loose on occasion. Very cool diversity really.
These fascinating vocals are coupled with feedback driven guitars, haunting BGVS, and moody melodies, to contain a strikingly pleasing yet mournful sound. This is the kind of music that you would try to use as studying or falling asleep music, but it will not allow for either distraction. The overall soothing quality of their sound is constantly disturbed by complex time changes and quirky tempos, and begs the listener to pay attention. Definitely not ear candy.
The production of the album is great, and for an independent release, this is quite a find. You must be ready for something different though before popping it in. You may need a couple listens before growing comfortable with their unpredictable style. The only thing that is lacking is in the song selection. While the songs themselves posses a lot of variety, some of the album tends to blend together into one long song. This could be intentional, but even so, it is a facet that could become obnoxious to some. This is a broad generalization though. There are songs that standout, especially track four, "On My Knees," a beautiful, remorseful worship song that pulls on the gut harder than a Billy Graham invitation. Overall, this is very remarkable music, with very open hearts at its base.
