Daniel Amos - Vox Humana: The Alarma! Chronicles Vol III Collector's Edition
STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 16601-14447 LABEL: Refuge R84008 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
The early '80s journey of Daniel Amos through the 'Alarma Chronicles' took them through four albums and four different labels as they struggled to find a place within the Christian marketplace for their intelligent new wave rock. By 1984, Volume 3, titled 'Vox Humana', saw them embracing a few more synths and a sound that nearly a quarter of a century later is very recognisably '80s! Terry Taylor's songwriting still stands supreme though but it's the fun songs on this album that really push my buttons. "(It's The Eighties So Where's Our) Rocket Packs" is a superb sci-fi adventure that explores how the expectations of a previous generation were not fulfilled. "It's Sick" is a fast paced swipe at the injustices between the haves and have nots whilst "Dance Stop" is one of the band's fun songs and a rock'n'roller floor filler with just the right amount of silly moments to make it work. "Home Permanent" is perfect pop with one of those wonderful singable choruses. "Live And Let Live" allows Taylor & Co to indulge their Beatles influences while "When Worlds Collide" is a crisp new wave song. "The Incredible Shrinking Man" has one of those fabulous whistled hooks and more sci-fi references. Whilst obviously clever and featuring creative production, I have to confess that whilst the other albums in the chronicles seemed to have a high concept, this one passes me by and is the weaker because of that.
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.
This album is by no means weak. Daniel Amois have only ever
been very strong indeed. The overall theme of this album is
not easy to tell because since when do albums always have an
overrunning theme eh?!
What this typically but brilliantly produced pure 80s album
produces is pop rock of top notch intensity and message.
There are the usual laughs along the way, but they dont
outweigh the harder hitting elements of the album.
William Blake and Home Permanent have to be two immediate
stick out tracks. And then The Incredible Shrinking Man and
the brilliant rock hook of Sanctuary, on of the bands best
rock tunes ever in my opinion.
Dance Stop is wickedly funny. Its Sick is cutting to the
point of painful. Its the Eighties is an amusing and yet
realistic look at the heart of the world that still hasnt
chancged at all sadly.
Travel Log is the perfect pop song indeed. Whilst my
favourite track has to be the lovely When Worlds Collide. So
what the hell is wrong with an album that has such a broad
spectrum of lyrics Id dare to ask? They make the album all
the more interesting. Whether it be the flowing guitar pace
of As The World Turns or the decent poignant message of Shes
All Heart as an expose on modern society's views. This album
is not weak in any way in my view. Its a real hard hitting
winner. Well done DA!
This album is by no means weak. Daniel Amois have only ever been very strong indeed. The overall theme of this album is not easy to tell because since when do albums always have an overrunning theme eh?!
What this typically but brilliantly produced pure 80s album produces is pop rock of top notch intensity and message. There are the usual laughs along the way, but they dont outweigh the harder hitting elements of the album.
William Blake and Home Permanent have to be two immediate stick out tracks. And then The Incredible Shrinking Man and the brilliant rock hook of Sanctuary, on of the bands best rock tunes ever in my opinion.
Dance Stop is wickedly funny. Its Sick is cutting to the point of painful. Its the Eighties is an amusing and yet realistic look at the heart of the world that still hasnt chancged at all sadly.
Travel Log is the perfect pop song indeed. Whilst my favourite track has to be the lovely When Worlds Collide. So what the hell is wrong with an album that has such a broad spectrum of lyrics Id dare to ask? They make the album all the more interesting. Whether it be the flowing guitar pace of As The World Turns or the decent poignant message of Shes All Heart as an expose on modern society's views. This album is not weak in any way in my view. Its a real hard hitting winner. Well done DA!