Angel's Wake EP - Melodic, Acoustic Rock With a U2 Feel

Angel's Wake combines some of the best sounds of the 80s, 90s, and today. No, it's not the latest adult rock radio station in town, it's a Pennsylvania-based band that fuses elements of U2, Dave Matthews Band, Matchbox 20 and other top rock bands in an enjoyable 6-song EP "Light Enough to Travel."

The band starts off with Cross It Out, a melodic rocker with a distinct U2 feel about wanting to undo mistakes in life. Anyone who's ever fouled up a relationship with a friend, a loved one, or God can appreciate this one.

"Can I do this over? Can I do this over again? I take it back." -- How many times have you said that in your life?

The U2 feel gives way to crunchy guitars in the chorus that are almost post-grunge but not quite as heavy -- especially when the acoustic guitar comes into play in the second verse.

If you thought the U2 comparisons were big in the first song, the opening acoustic guitar in Going Home, a slower number, will bring back the Irish band in their 80s heydey.

Frontman/songwriter Daniel Quinn has a knack for writing songs with simple lyrics -- reminiscent of what you've heard before but relatable. Combined with the acoustic-based rock sounds they're comforting and you'll be singing them over and over again on repeated listens.

"I've been down every highway and every mile's the same. A million different cities, and they don't even know my name. And you say. You've gone too far, but it's not too late. Take my hand, don't be afraid. Look around, you're not alone. Come with me, we're going Home."

Art of Self Defense stands out as the hardest song on the EP and it gives guitarist Rob Reese a chance to shine with solos and fills throughout. His tones remind me more of 60s or 70s classic rock than the glam rock of the 80s.

Change of Season and Benediction continue with the softer acoustic rock of Going Home, with Benediction conjuring up images of Dave Matthews Band.

Carry This Too closes out this EP with a similar style as Cross It Out. Those two cuts almost bring to mind some of the jangle rock bands of the mid-late 90s.

One of the things I like about this EP is that guitar solos appear in a few of the cuts. That's an element missing in even some of the top Christian rock bands these days.

Angel's Wake's production is above average but, as with any indie release, could benefit with the bigger-budget production a label offers. I haven't seen them live, but the band strikes me as one of those whose emotional vibe comes across really well in a coffeehouse or club setting.

I'd also like to see a few more upbeat songs. The band has some similar musical elements as Weezer (without the pop/punk vocals) but could use a faster song or two with some clean guitar to go along with the mid-tempo and slower songs and the distortion.

The band is clear about its sense of ministry and its message of being "broken at the feet of love" (Carry This Too) and needing to renew one's strength and stamina in the love of our Savior is apparent in its lyrics.

"We feel that ministering to believers while they are in a dark or fallen period is critical, yet missing from most Christian rock and spiritual music today," the band says. "We want to reach out to them, encouraging and building them up in their faith during these difficult seasons."

Angel's Wake has some good potential and a label looking to add a softer rock band to its established hard rock lineup would do well to sign them and get them some studio time to polish these strong tracks.

If you're looking for something to listen to between your Pillar and Disciple CDs that rocks but leaves your face intact, Angel's Wake is your band.

For more on the band, see their web site at http://www.angelswake.com or check out three songs from the EP at http://www.myspace.com/angelswake.