Alana
Levandoski did her first CD a couple of years ago
called Unsettled Down, as I remember it, it
had more of an acoustic sound, but it was a very
good debut CD. Levandoski's second CD has a more
eclectic mix, with a couple of hard rockers starting
it out. Then it settles into a more eclectic mix of
acoustic/electric songs that are produced very well
by Ken Nelson. It is definitely an upgrade from her
first CD, very clean and professional sounding, very
creative.
I also love the artwork, a simple drawing of her
face on the front of a digipak type of CD packaging.
Plus, there is a nice booklet with pics, and lyrics
and more info. Besides singing, Alana plays guitar
and piano. Murray Pulver plays electric guitar. This
guy is a master on the guitar, plays some amazing
fades and gets great tone. I love how you can hear
the acoustic guitar in the mix, very natural
sounding. Milos Nelson plays some good bass and Eric
Paul is on the drums.
Part of the record was recorded in an old church
,while the rest was finished in a studio in
Liverpool. Levandoski's vocals are much improved
from her first CD. The focus of the mix and the
stereo field is just right. Levandoski was there to
help out with the mixing at a studio in Liverpool.
"Thine The Glory", I love this sparse gospel ballad.
There is a sermon in my cup of coffee and He only
has vinegar to drink.
"Crashed
Car/Morning Star" is a mid tempo ballad, with some
great Pulver guitar leads, this song starts out with
just the drums.
"Song For a Cougar", a slow acoustic ballad with the
drums and bass coming in on the second verse. Pulver
plays one one of the best guitar breaks that I have
ever heard here. Levandoskis' vocals have a sweet
quality to them.
"Mercy" is a mid
tempo song with an edge, some fuzz on the lead
guitar. Sweet harmonies inhabit this tune.
"What Brought You Down" is a very emotive ballad
that cannot be ignored, lots more great guitar by
Pulver. The vocals are great on this song. There
seems to be a theme running through the record,
which I only notice after many listens. It starts
out with two hard rock songs, then a bunch of
acoustic/electric songs with an alt/country sound to
them. Sounds like a bit of Kathleen Edwards
influence.
Then the album
ends with a couple of spiritual songs. Most of the
songs on this CD were written by Levandoski.