This Dallas-based quintet seems to have found their groove with this cohesive atmospheric project. The rich vocals of opener “Breath You In” leap out of the speakers like a shot of sonic energy, and you’re swimming upstream through a stream of thick sound. Its lyrics brim over with intensity, and the tension never lets up throughout the eleven tracks of “Some Kind of Spark.” Lead singer Jenny Simmons slits open a vein and lets the yearning flow freely, running down her chin and dripping from her elbows. Through the electric honesty of “Wake Me Up” to the Alanis Morissette-like imploring tones of “Collide,” she lays bare a heart of deep longing. For more. More of God, more connections, horizontally and vertically…. Addison Road bravely sings the deep yearnings of our hearts.
Piano ballad “The Only Thing” is straight-up passion and desire, Simmons’ soft vocals weaving in and out of a web of shining strings. Standout track “Yesterday” deals with relationship woes, brimming with intensity through thunderous drums and electric nuances. It contrasts nicely with the following track, the melodic, airy “Hope Now.” Speaking of contrasts, take note of the desperate lyrics juxtaposed against the acoustic calm of “Lost Fight.” Nicely done.
I found the choice of “Forgiven” as the album closer an interesting choice. It is a musical gem, its guitars rippling like a babbling brook, smooth chords flowing over the rough stones of Simmons’ urgent vocals. But lyrically, it’s actually quite agonizing, her pleas for forgiveness resounding against the thick backdrop of splashy sound. An instrumental beauty, it leaves you wondering. Like I said earlier, artful. Provocative, lush, compelling… all these things apply to Addison Road’s latest, the riveting “Some Kind of Spark.” Well worth your time.
