Ivoryline - Vessels

Artist: Ivoryline
Album: Vessels
Release Date: 7/27/10
Label: Tooth & Nail Records

You know that feeling of anticipation that you get when you know something good is coming and just can't wait for it? Well, that can be said about Ivoryline's great sophomore effort, Vessels. The follow up to their catchy debut album There Came A Lion, Vessels has improved in every major area from their already high energy alternative rock, that set off their career on a high note. The most noticeable change from album to album is that Vessels shows Ivoryline at their best, especially songwriting wise, wearing their faith out on their sleeves.

While the energy found on their debut album is not missing, Vessels is a much more matured work of music. The album has a lot more depth in the lyrical themes as well, ranging from spiritual healing to redemption. "Father thank You, Father thank You for who You are, You're all I need." These are some of the lyrics from the song "Hearts Open," which is easily one of Ivoryline's best written songs to date. Songs that can still be compared to the sound on their debut album would be "The Healing," a high energy rocker, containing a vocal appearance from Jason Vena, formerly of the band Acceptance. The title track is another good example, also featuring guest vocals, which are provided by producer Aaron Sprinkle.

If you couldn't tell from its title, "Walking Dead" serves as a dark rock, full of texture and clever songwriting, such as the lyrics heard in the chorus that state, "a living, breathing generation of the walking dead." The song talks of topics such as idolatry. "The Greatest Love" goes to talk about Jesus dying for us on the cross and contains some of the most memorable hooks on the album. The song "Naked" talks of Adam and Eve in the Garden and serves as another very biblically written song.

Perhaps the biggest change in sound from Ivoryline heard on Vessels is "Made From Dust." It comes as a good listen, with a sound that could be compared to Deas Vail, but breaks into driving guitars towards the close of the song. Also full of texture, "Made From Dust" serves the purpose as one of the highlights on the album. "You Bring Fire" closes off the album perfectly, containing the strong message of hope that comes from our Creator on Vessels.

Rating: 9/10 Ivoryline have created a nearly perfect album with the release of Vessels. An easily accessible album as compared to their debut, there's something that everyone can get out of this album, from the fluid rockers to the softer ballad-like offerings. No doubt will this be a contender for album of the year in the long run. This being said, Ivoryline have certainly found their place with the release of their sophomore effort.

Tracklisting:

1. The Healing
2. With The Daylight
3. Search Me Out
4. Instincts
5. Hearts Open
6. Vessels
7. No One Else
8. Walking Dead
9. Broken Bodies
10. The Greatest Love
11. Made From Dust
12. Naked
13. You Bring Fire

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