Album Review: Dishwalla and Lifehouse

Check out the new releases of Dishwalla and Lifehouse, both with their self-titled albums.

Dishwalla

Dishwalla. What I like about Dishwalla is they are never “Sold Out”. They have dished out more than 3 albums now which are rather a “hit and miss” for me. Their 1st album “Pet your friends” is a true gem and where they got popular with their “Counting blue cars”, but I liked their faster songs there like “Moisture” and “Charlie Brown’s Parents”. Their next two albums have a few selected hits, then they had trouble with their producers and went back to being independent. Then they released their critically acclaimed “Opaline” which they produced independently. I think “Opaline” is their best album, or better yet the best album around that a lot of people haven’t heard, especially here in the Philippines, since it never reached our shores. Though thanks to my Sis in the US I managed to get a copy of their album and am really proud owner.

Dishwalla’s new self-titled album is a fare contrast to their previous album “Opaline” in terms of sound. Here Dishwalla decided to turn up their volume up-a-notch and produce a harder and louder dishwalla. And I must say that I’m impressed that they managed to incorporate the soothing and melodic sound of “Opaline” with the hard rock edge of “Pet” in this album. I must say that this is Dishwalla at their best sound yet, but the album doesn’t necessarily have the repetition value of “Opaline”. Their songwriting is clearly poetically profound, though a bit dark in this album. Jr’s vocals is stretched here and the best I’ve heard from him, and you’ll also notice the amazing drums here as well. Indeed a well produced and polished sound.

Their first track “40 Stories” is a nice transition from the “Opaline” album. “Collide” their first single is a nice choice as it somewhat previews the whole feel of the album. One of my favourite here is “Coral Sky” which I think would be their bigger hit, I can now imagine people or MTV using the intro of this song to some commercial breakers. “Above the Wreckage” is another great track and the Opaline-sque “Far Away” might be used at one of those teen dramas like “Smallville”. A personal favourite of mine is the hard edged “Ease the moment” with their melodic orchestrated intervals at the middle.

This album proves that Dishwalla knows more than to ‘count blue cars’ eh?!

Rate: Buy the Album

Dishwalla

Lifehouse. It was back in 2000 when I first heard Lifehouse’s first single “Hanging by a moment”. They haven’t made a buzz yet at that time but the momment I heard their song during their underground days, I knew they were gonna be big. Now 3 albums later and after their ‘so-so’ sophomore “Stanley Climbfall”, they are back with a self-titled album. Produced by the same guy who produced John Mayer and Dave Matthews, John Algia, Lifehouse is serious in getting back the recognition they deserve.

“You and Me” jumpstarted as their first single, a melodic, heartwarming song that is sure to woo a lot of listeners, especially females. The whole album yes, is full of melodic songs in the pop/rock genre, but they are really good in terms of writing arrangement and performance. Jason Wade’s vocals are soothing along with the rich harmoies of the instruments. This is a toned down Lifehouse but not to the point that it would bore you or put you into sleep, but something that will accompany you while you are doing something. In fact, the songs have a lot of hooks that you’ll find yourself singing with them during the chorus, especially on their more upbeat songs.

I must say that most of the songs in the album are good, no fillers whatsoever. But there are some that would stand out for me like “Blind”, “We’ll never know”, “Walking Away”, “Into the Sun” and “Better luck next time”. This album truly hit the Jackpot for the band. A great effort.

Rate: Buy the album