ALEV - We Live In Paradise

ALEV
We Live In Paradise
Eclipse Records
8/10




Hands down, Alev’s We Live In Paradise is the most commercial recording we’ve seen from Eclipse Records to date, but the fine folks at the imprint certainly know great talent when they hear it, so it’s plain to see why they would get behind this talented German five piece and release this record in the US. To those who have dismissed Alev as a second-rate Evanescence clone simply because they sport a female out front, please stop smoking crack. Their sound is nothing like that of Evanescence and to write this highly enjoyable outfit off as trendy clones would be a substantial disservice, indeed.

If pressed to draw comparisons to a band-of-the-moment, Alev is most like Flyleaf, albeit considerably less dirty-sounding in nature. When Alev want to kick it out metal-style, as they do on the title track, it’s with the slightest industrial edge. A multifaceted tapestry of sound tempered with modern rock sensibilities should be considered as the calling card of Alev. The powerful singing style of singer Alev Lenz at times recalls Alanis Morisette, and the lyrical musings of Lenz have much to do with self-empowerment, also resembling Morisette. However, Lenz’s mostly leaves out that annoying warble that the Canadian pop star’s signature, her approach being much smoother and flowing. As a result, the grandiose melodies of tracks like the very upfront “Time Will Show” and the smooth, dreamy “Youth (Sleep Well)” are at once, instantly memorable and highly entertaining.

A bit of Pearl Jam can be heard in the song structures of “Cause And Effect” and “Just Because,” with the latter track incorporating synth in a way that’s quite subtle, but critical to the overall impact of the track. Meanwhile, the scream leading into this cut’s final chorus shows that Lenz has plenty of air-pushing power; no doubt this highly dramatic moment is a highlight of the band’s concert performances. On “If We Ever (Massdestructive Ignorance),” listeners are treated to an intensely dynamic affair as the band shifts gears between a light and shade verse section that thrusts the spotlight directly upon the frontwoman and an edgy, very singable chorus that delivers the goods with style. The acoustically-flavored “Dying Everyday” provides a somber, introspective highlight, further articulating this group’s ability to write songs with plenty of emotional substance.

There’s no denying that this quintet are both excellent songwriters as well as being captivating performers. With one listen to We Live In Paradise, fans of modern rock will be sure to agree.

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