The Alternate Routes CD Review

The Alternate Routes Review
Grade: A-


If you think contemporary electric guitars and country music don’t mix, then perhaps it’s time to hit the stores, pick up A Sucker’s Dream, and just let the music roll, because The Alternate Routes know how to make their style work.

Song #1 is bound to catch attention as vocalist Tim Warren exclaims with his loud band members, “On and on we whisper/tell me how to scream/I’m been screaming like a dreamer/who can’t fall back asleep/tell me about the road you’re on/and maybe we could meet/tell me about the road you’re on/and on and on we whisper.”

Warren also has a talent that involves alternating his voice between a classic rock era scream and a county music drawl. Don’t ask just how it works – just know that it really works.

There’s a softer side to the band as the album continues on its merry way. You know how Nickelback pretends to be hardcore rock and yet constantly slip in a softie song? Forget them; The Alternate Routes slides smoothly down their scale rather than leapfrogging between loud and soft.

But no will really notice a change in music quality. And since “Ain’t No Secret” is the essence of sappy love song, minus most of the sticky goo, the soft touch in background isn’t taking away from the track.

Not to mention “Quiet Highway Road” and its story needs something to match the title and the birds chirping in its beginning minute. Hardcore rock ‘n’ roll seems like a contrast not worth making.

“All That I See”, the third track, is the musical equivalent of The Fray’s “How To Save A Life”. Emotionally, it’s a cheerier. Not quite as solemn, even with the lines, “Well we all need a place where we’re allowed to slow down/and we’re allowed to hide out on the weekends/400 miles/I’ll be home in a while/but I’m never on time....”

If there’s a limit to the amount of softer rock/country that can be stood within a time frame, don’t worry – the group launches back in a harder routine and rocks themselves out as the end comes near, promising to end in a bang as their voices mingle and harmonize with their musical product.

Only, well, they don’t. They alternate between the hardcore and softie. So if people expect ginormous rocking endings, there might be a wave of disappointment. Instead, the last song starts off with a solid beat, some drums and some calm chords, and the lyrics: “Well he’s waiting at the bus stop, seven years old/ breathing on his collar in the freezing cold/He doesn’t know a thing about minimum wage...” And goes on to form the story of a soldier, in tribute perhaps?

The finale’s title is “A Better Way”, and it’s definitely going to hit as many heart chords as the rest of the album. It ends with a slow fade-out, giving time to absorb any messages listeners care to receive.

If you think ‘the future is nothing new’…well, maybe the song by the same title agrees, but at least it’s doing so in style.

Column 10 - Creation In Our World: Music Setting The Tone

Column 10: Music Setting The Tone

Once again she returns, after more of the lovely joys of life we call: work; family responsibilities; family vacations; and worst of all, repeat illnesses. I went to a doctor who told me I was recovering from a sickness only to get on the plane and be told I might have mono. However, it was not mono, and I am now sitting up and typing away some thoughts. I am not quite back on the “creative” track yet, unfortunately.

Then I got to thinking. Two months ago, Randy’s posting about musical albums reminded me that sometimes a simple thing in our life can create something great. The inspiration to begin something can lead into an evolved form beyond the original expectations. In fact, I as a musician have the ability to create emotion just by picking up my violin or singing, two things I adore.

Music is a grand example of how something short can lead to a grander project. Music has many elements that contribute to the mindset of the listener. The lyrics, the melody and harmony, and the tone of the voice all combine to not only tell a story but to set the mood of the song – and this can be a base stone to kick off from when beginning something of your own.

I decided this month I should make a list of my own favorite albums and see if it spreads on to a few readers. Hopefully, some of these songs will be explored and will lead to personal inspiration and revelation – or at least will encourage you to find some yourself.

This summer, my five favorite soundtracks are:

1. Sarah Brightman’s “Symphony”. Sarah Brightman commands adoration. As a world selling renowned soprano who had an entire musical dedicated to her (as she was the original Christine in “Phantom of the Opera”), it’s almost impossible to show her disrespect. Her album shows off her opera talents without being too dressy or showy, mingling the talent with a rock style that says singing is hardly dead. You just have to find the talent.





2. Cast In Bronze’s “Best Day Ever”. Cast In Bronze lost to Brightman by just a few points, but I knew that this interesting soundtrack had to stay high. Cast In Bronze is a performing group with two active members now. Each of them travels with their single instrument and some sound equipment from show to show on the road. Sound normal? Ha. These instruments weigh as much as 35 tons. Cast In Bronze features the ancient carillon, an instrument normally confined to bell towers – seeing as the instruments were the bells themselves. These traveling carillons are incredible to see, and beautiful to the ear. The sound equipment I mentioned? Plays the accompanying harmonies and occasional vocals. The bells too have changed with the times in order to survive.
Cast In Bronze can be found @ castinbronze.com, on YouTube, and on a fan page and group on Facebook. I highly encourage everyone to give this one a chance at least; its founder is an associate of mine who could use all the support and fans he can get.

3. Brad Yoder’s “Someday or Never”. Local artists are something to look into to see if they’re worth supporting, because it’s a common observance that local has far more talent and passion than mainstream. Brad Yoder fits this bill, with beautiful poetry for lyrics and quick fingers on his guitar to match. The first time I heard him sing, I wanted to cry – the lyrics and his music were all too reminiscent of my heart. It is not easy for movies or songs to make me cry – especially since I heard him perform after two hours of comedy show. He has a gift and I am excited to return to campus just to see when he returns to our Cathedral of Learning comedy show!

4. Idina Menzel’s I Stand”. All right, pop haters – I forbid you to insult this one. Idina Menzel is a Broadway star I only recently found myself adoring. She defines the Wicked Witch Elphaba in “Wicked”; she took up the challenge of Maureen in “Rent”; and she brought her talent into her pop album. Idina’s songs, especially “I Stand” itself, demand emotion if not tears. If there is one artist I try to buy sheet music of, it’s Idina. I wish her luck during the remainder of her pregnancy and hope she will return to the Burgh on future tours!


5. The “Wicked” Soundtrack. Are my interests becoming apparent yet? This seems a bit like cheating, but sometimes it’s best to listen to what does exist and see what you can come up with afterwards. “Wicked” is not only filled with talent; it is an incredible story on paper and on stage about the way others view the classic events we thought we understood so well. Sometimes seeing through another’s eyes really is the best thing for us.

The best on your own journeys,
-Ris