Kevin Max - Fiefdom Of Angels: Side One
Artist:
Title:
Fiefdom Of Angels: Side One
Type:
Album
Released:
27 Feb 2012
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Review
Like it or not Kevin Max will probably be known for the rest of his career as one third of one of the biggest Christian bands ever, DCTalk. The band produced some amazing albums, including the wonderful Jesus Freak. Yet for me some of Kevin's more interesting work has come as a solo singer, sometimes these songs are overlooked more than songs by his former band members Michael Tait and TobyMac. Maybe Kevin's songs have not had the fashionable sounds of the moment, but actually they are very creative and down right exciting to listen to.
So the latest installment of...
Read More Like it or not Kevin Max will probably be known for the rest of his career as one third of one of the biggest Christian bands ever, DCTalk. The band produced some amazing albums, including the wonderful Jesus Freak. Yet for me some of Kevin's more interesting work has come as a solo singer, sometimes these songs are overlooked more than songs by his former band members Michael Tait and TobyMac. Maybe Kevin's songs have not had the fashionable sounds of the moment, but actually they are very creative and down right exciting to listen to.
So the latest installment of the solo work of Kevin Max comes in this five track EP, 'Fiefdom of Angels'. It started as a novel written by Max in early 2011, describing the origins of the angelic race and the ultimate war in Heaven. The soundtrack is in two parts, starting with Side One, including covers of bands ranging from Depeche Mode to The Walker Brothers, as well as original songs written by Max. All of the songs were handpicked to coincide with characters and plot lines within the story. The second five song EP, Side Two, is expected by the end of May and will include covers by Depeche Mode, Portishead, David Bowie and more.
Let's not beat around the bush, Kevin has always done things differently. For me there is an atmospheric vibe to the whole EP. 'Send Me An Angel', with its stunning and haunting orchestral start, is a truly great song. End of The Beginning has a sort of late Beatles vibe to it, with clicking drums and great harmonies in the vocals, another decent tune. All of the songs on this EP have something dramatic to them, with great orchestral sounds and creative drums. Some of the songs even sound like they're from theater musicals that have a dramatic edge, this comes over none more so than the track Shadow Play which is absolutely sublime.
Dragon Attack, with its anxious sounding violins, is again for the story telling stage. The EP ends with a cover of the Muse song Take A Bow, one of my favourite Muse tracks, with the song slowly building in intensity. Kevin Max does a really good job on this track, doing the song justice and it fits perfectly on this EP.
If you're expecting a nice gentle few songs from Kevin, with his distinctive vocals, you will not find it here. This EP is as intense as you will get from any EP. Big orchestral sounds, big drums, creative vibes and a big voice make this one EP that isn't for the faint hearted. For me, Kevin has created such a high energy album that it wasn't until the EP finished that I felt I could take a breathe of relief. When it ended it was a 'phew' moment, but in a good way! Wow now I'm really looking forward to part two.
Review by Jono Davies
LTTM Rating 4.5 Out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
Take A Bow
Send Me an Angel
Shadow Play
