By: Kevan Breitinger
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Esterlyn
Lamps
Rooster Records
Rock
02-26-2008
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SCORE
83%
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New band Esterlyn of Boise, Idaho, emerges from the Calvary Chapel band-making machinery with their debut album Lamps, sounding similar to tour-mates Stellar Kart. In fact, Stellar Kart frontman Adam Agee co-write the first single, “We All Need,” with vocalist/guitarist Luke Caldwell. Similar, but not derivative. Esterlyn adds a heady buzz and comes across more rock than pop.
Thick bass chords tie down the edgy riffs of hard-rocking opener “Tie The Leaves,” and it must be said that bassist Tony “The Tiger” Caruso generally makes his presence felt throughout the disc’s twelve tracks. But guitars are the prominent axe of choice. Thick and bouncy, they manage to inject an airy vibe to “Kill Your Own Despair” and are just plain BIG on the epic “We All Need.” Caldwell’s straightforward vocal shines through the pulsating rhythms and note-bending nuances of the track, declaring our need for faith. Standout track “Seasons of Grey” is thoughtfully arranged, the energetic bass line bouncing through Nick Koebele’s thundering percussion.
While every track is proficient, I don’t know that each is necessary. When they’re on, though, they’re really on. Their lyrical focus is vertical throughout, calling for a revelation of God’s love through the sonic embellishments of “Reveal Your Love” and yearning for God’s presence over the brawny guitar strums and pulsating rhythms of “Like The Rain.” Caldwell’s vocals are warm and strong throughout, dripping with sincerity on the guitar-driven “Emptiness.” Hard-driving rocker “Faster, Faster” is notable for its fierce intensity and zipping programming and the crisp production values shine through the gently opening title track. Strings add texture to the lustrous track as Caldwell’s upfront vocals cry out for more meaning. The driving rocker “About You” wraps things up on a sharp worship note, leaving you wondering already about the potential greatness ahead for Esterlyn as they mature in their focus.
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