Reading between the lines, and listening for more than a strong melody and country-rock guitar riffs, One World (R)evolution aim to educate and enlighten listeners to greater environmental and worldly conscious. In Transitions the words are positively thought provoking.
Opening track, “Get Your Green On” literally refers to changing one’s lifestyle to vegan. Helping Mother Earth through one’s diet is an interesting concept put to lyrics; One World (R)evolution collectively create an inspiring song. It would be easy to end with a piece more jingle than artistic, but this Austin-based rock outfit begin its self-titled debut with an upbeat track.
Vocals Have Natural Empathy
"Stop the Insanity," has a gritty guitar bridge, laced with a tint of country rock. Lead singer Astrum’s voice calls out in frustration – but not so much she sounds oppressive. She has this natural empathy in her vocals that divulges transformative vibes. It’s like the listener wants to yell with her, but at the same time, sit down and think about solutions.
In "New World" Astrum’s voice is so clear and goes from a soothing, mellow take, to picking up so slightly during the song’s last stanza. Throughout “Voice Is Calling” and “The Road Less Traveled” her sense of wonder and thought process behind the lyrics seem to pour out through the speakers. While it feels like a hard time, a tumultuous relationship, Astrum’s empathy and enigmatic surrounding energy spill blindly.
Throughout the 14 tracks on Transitions, a certain power pop plume hovers. Not until “Let Love In” does the rock guitar really unleash. It’s darker, but all the while maintaining the positivity thread. It’s a numbing guitar riff, balanced by the heavy drum cymbals.
Shifting Sounds
“Dare To Be Different” leans more alternative rock. Astrum’s voice shifts like clockwork. In track 12, “The Power of Love” Astrum’s shows off her range, in this 80s-rock-like song. She sounds mysterious, backed up by a throbbing bass and tight orchestration. In fact, the last three tracks, including “Change” and “Goodbye” fall into the alternative rock category more so than the CD’s first half. “Goodbye” definitely lingers the most out of any of the songs. It’s a wonderful choice to end the CD.
Fans of Gretchen Wilson, Paula Cole, Joan Baez, Melissa Etheridge, Soul Asylum, Gin Blossoms, Fastball (also from Austin!), Tonic, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sophie B Hawkins will want to take more than one listen to One World (R)evolution’s enjoyable debut Transitions. It's worth it.
Melissa Kucirek - Melissa L. Kucirek M.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2004) B.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2001) I'm a freelance writer ...
