Ivoryline Sets Sail on New ‘Vessels’

STRONG

REVIEW
By Christina Mylinski / Staff Writer

When Ivoryline took the stage for the first time, a member knocked over an amp causing their entire set to short-circuit, effectively ending the show.

Seven years later, one can’t help but be proud to see how far they’ve come.

“Vessels,” the group’s sophomore album avoids the sophomore slump and showcases its progression.

Many bands stick with the same style or coast by on its fame, but the Tyler quartet knew better. “Vessels” is one of the best albums of 2010, and Tooth and Nail Records should be proud of their rising underdogs.

Opener “The Healing,” picks up where “There Came A Lion” from its debut left off.

Jason Vena, former Acceptance vocalist, accompanies Jeremy Gray, as the duo throws the listener into a trail-blazing album.

The voices create a wholly new sound, proving these two singers were musically made for one another. The vocals join forces with Dusty Kittle’s instantly identifiable guitar riffs, which border the sound of heavy-metal breakdowns.

Ivoryline took a break from touring for two-and-a-half years and decided to focus on creating and crafting “Vessels.” The time was used wisely as this album provides the right mix of aggression with head-bobbing tunes.

The title track introduces the foundation behind Gray’s voice. The remaining three members lay the basis for an extraordinary album. Ivoryline produces engaging, spiritual lyrics, and the subtle bass lines and consistent heartbeat of the drum converts the toughest critic into an Ivoryline believer.

The predominant theme throughout “Vessels” is maturity. Producer Aaron Sprinkle, who also worked on the band’s first record, showcases technical improvements. The quality is evident on all 13 tracks. Each song introduces a new element, which dives further down into Ivoryline’s passion.

The star song on this album is “The Greatest Love,” which could be heard on Fridays during the Adventure Club on 102.1 KDGE-FM.

This single is a fist-pumping four-minute rocker. The tune has in-your-face lyrics and is the only track that introduces the synthesizer into an already danceable song.

The album finishes stronger, if that’s possible, then it started.

“Made from Dust” displays Ivoryline’s true musical potential. If Copeland and Anberlin decided to have a love child before each band called it quits, this track would be their little pride and joy. An introduction of cymbals joins mounting guitar chords, evoking a scene of the band rising from the ashes of their adolescence.

“Vessels” stands for a variety of different emotions, but breaks the mold of typical post-alternative bands. Ivoryline has a presence on this record that proves with patience and the proper balance of influences, a band can produce a sophomore album that makes listeners forget there was even a first.

5/5