Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Common Children are Marc Byrd on guitar/vocals. Hampton Aliaferro on drums and bassist Drew Powell and together this three piece indulge in a little melodic rock which is more indie than alternative and definitely intelligent. This will certainly appeal to fans of The Choir. Produced by Steve Hindalong. Delicate Fade' begins immediately with a truly emotional prelude made rich with strings which slowly envelops the listener and sucks you into the album. Some of these songs are soul capturingly good. I fell in love with the jangliness of "Eyes Of God" with its hooky chorus "Eyes Of God Shine On Us". Songs of human frailty and the enormous grace of Cod that cleanses every stain, there is the sort of songwriting that richly rewards those who diligently indulge in poetic explorations. Oh and the band know how to rock out too without reducing their sound to a mindless thud - intelligent rocking out anybody? Check out the heated attack of "Pulse" and the sonic delight of "So Dream". But personally, it's the jangly lighter flavourings that get me every time! The epic "Blueraft" has a compelling ambience and great guitar from Byrd and "Whisper", co-written with label mate Christine Glass, is brilliant. Top album, so nearly an absolute classic!

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