This review was originally written and posted on Loucifer Speaks (my webzine), but I thought I'd post it here too. I'd like you to keep in mind that while I do listen to a lot of rock, most of the reviews on Loucifer Speaks so far have dealt with the heavier side of metal.
Band: Chris Pierson
CD Title: The Height Of Paranoia EP
Year: 2007
Website: www.chrispiersonrocks.com
MySpace: myspace.com/chrispiersonmusic
Label: Ledge 7
Featured on: Loucifer Speaks
Rating: 8.9 / 10
Original Link for Review:
http://louciferspeaks.com/cdreview/chrispierson.html
Firstly, I think it’s time for a bit of background on how this EP fell into my hands… I have been known to advertise Loucifer Speaks on the Internet quite a bit – especially on Advertising Forums. On one such forum I met a member called Roe who wanted to advertise her site for a guy called Chris Pierson. At this point I had no idea who this bloke was (although I have since been told that he was on Rockstar Supernova), but she said that he played Rock and so I suggested that she advertise her site on the Loucifer Speaks forum – which she did. Soon enough curiosity got the better of me and I soon found myself browsing the website and acquainting myself with Chris Pierson’s music. Then I ordered the EP from Ledge 7.
As you can imagine, the music on “The Height Of Paranoia” is very different from that which I have reviewed on Loucifer Speaks so far. I’m reviewing this EP for two reasons – 1, because I wanted to and 2, because I wanted to show that I listen to more than just extreme metal.
The EP kicks off with “The Call”. At first I wasn’t too keen on this track, but after a few listens it really grows on you. There is a distinct Creed/Alterbridge feel to this track and it will appeal to those who enjoy listening to those bands.
“Alive” is the first track that really got me to sit up and take notice. You can almost imagine this song being used on an American drama show or something. Most of this song runs along at a relatively slow pace, but this is a good thing as it really allows the song to sink in and shows off Pierson’s voice. My favourite part is at roughly 2 minutes or so in when the guitar solo kicks in. Overall, this track is extremely catchy and, even if you can’t hit all the notes, you’ll soon find yourself singing along.
“Pretty Things” is my favourite from this EP. Everything about it is completely spot on – the rhythm, the riff, the lyrics and the vocals. Chris Pierson is definitely onto a winner with this one.
“It Means Nothing” is a stirring ballad that makes you think and the vocals are superb! “Morning Sun” closes the EP perfectly. As I often do, I’m going to compare this to film. If “The Height Of Paranoia” was a movie, then “Morning Sun” would be the song playing in the closing scene and credits. This is another song which makes you think and reminisce.
If I’d known previously that Chris Pierson had appeared on Rockstar Supernova, I probably wouldn’t have listened to this EP at all due to my hatred of reality television. Luckily, I hadn’t seen the show.
I’d recommend this EP to those of you who enjoy straightforward rock. This EP contains everything from the rockier songs, to the ballads and each track is performed which such a high amount of dedication that it’s difficult not to like it. On a personal note, I would have preferred some faster songs. Although I do like a good ballad, I feel that a stronger balance between fast and slow tempo songs would have been excellent. With every listen to this EP I like it more and more. I look forward to hearing an album in the not-too-distant future.
Tracks: 01 The Call
02 Alive
03 Pretty Things
04 It Means Nothing
05 Morning Sun
My Review of the EP, As seen on Loucifer Speaks
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