Subscribe to AltRockLive

It doesn't seem like it's been almost two years to the month since the Indie Rock/alternative band Deas Vail released Birds and Cages, their first record since signing to Reliant K's revived label Mono Vs. Stereo. In that time they have released two EP's and now it was time to release a full a length, the result is the self titled Deas Vail.

Musically this album doesn't sound very different from their last album. DV pretty much retains the same alternative rock style that has sustained them through the years so fans looking for something new aren't going to find it. The album opens with "Desire" which features the bands keyboardist Laura Beth Hudson's beautiful vocals. The song is a fairly slow opener but does a good job opening out the album. "Summer Forgets Me" will remind the listener of "Under our Skin" from last years digital release and "Towers" will take the listener back to other earlier works but as with the rest of the album there is really nothing new. There is a standout track musically, "Tearing Down the Sun" is a good rocker, it's even a little out of the box when held up to the rest of the tracks on the album.

Even with the lack of musical progression from the quartet Deas Vail continues to deliver in depth lyrics. "Desire" talks about our desires for love and the desire to find someone to fill that gap that love leaves through singleness. "Sixteen" reflects on the feelings of a sixteen year old growing up within the Christian Faith. "The Right Mistakes" talks about making mistakes and dealing with them within the context of God's Grace, it also handles disagreements within Marriage and "Towers" talks about tearing down the obstacles that keep us from our relationship with Christ.

All in all Deas Vail has a released a very solid addition to their discography. The album may be one of the best albums of the year and a good addition to any alternative rock fans collection.

Record Label: Mono Vs Stereo / Sony Red
Album length: 12 tracks: 43 minutes, 19 seconds
Street Date: October 11, 2011