Artist:
The Gloria Record
Album: Start Here
Label: Arena Rock
Release: 2002
Web: Official SiteChris Simpson. Does that name mean anything to you? If it's not
ringing a bell, after this review, it will. For the last eight years, Simpson has slowly
been making a name for himself in the indie scene. I better do the history first...
In 1994, he and a few friends in Austin, Texas formed the now legendary emo band known as
Mineral. After a few seven inches, the band released their debut album in 1997, The Power
Of Failing. With that, the band displayed raw emotion, roaring guitars, and lyrics written
by one with incredible insight. That man would be Chris Simpson.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love that record, and there are some amazing songs on it, but
some of the songs just didn't flow correctly, or seemed out of place. All would be
corrected with the band's next release, EndSerenading. The band's debut was recorded in
1995, so the guys had a lot of time to work on new material. In 1998, a year after the
debut was released, EndSerenading was handed to the masses.
This would sadly be the band's final album, but they went out with a bang. With this, the
band found an even more unique sound, and it worked. It was a much slower release, but it
was flawless. That is probably one of the greatest albums I have ever heard in my life.
So, two great albums, and a cult following. What's to do next? Break up while you're on
top. So, the members of Mineral went their separate ways. Gabe Wiley (drums) & Scott
McCarvery (guitar) are now in a little band called Pop Unknown. What would be come of
Chris Simpson (vocals/guitar) and Jeremy Gomez (bass)? They formed The Gloria Record,
that's what.
So, Simpson and Gomez teamed up with Brian Hubbard (guitar), Ben Houtman (keyboards), and
Brian Malone (drums), and The Gloria Record was born. In 1998 they released a seven inch
and a self titled ep On Crank Records, which was also the home to Mineral. That was
followed by another ep, A Lull In Traffic, which hit shelves in 2000. Those releases were
met with mixed reaction. I loved some of the songs, and felt mixed about others.
Who knew what was next for the band? On and off touring and a search for a new sound
followed in 2000 and 2001. We are now up to date! 2002 brings us Start Here, the debut
full length from The Gloria Record. Yes, this is a full length, finally, ten songs, fifty
minutes, the whole deal.
If you had an opinion of this band prior to hearing this record, put it down and erase it.
This is the same band, but with a unique sound that was always there, but it just hadn't
evolved until now, with this record. This is not an emo record. Who cares if it is or not?
It's music at its best, and it is one of the best albums of 2002.
This album has it all. It has your relaxing melodies, great instrumental work, and not to
mention some cryptic songwriting that will make you force you to ponder your current
position in the world, oh yeah, not to mention, Simpson's vocals are top notch. Start Here
is filled with tons of keyboard, and various effects that enhance the album's sound.
We start with the album's title track, which is a lovely welcome. Simpson slowly sings,
"Lose yoursef. You're young and you've got time. It's simple. Then START HERE and
move foward. You'll figure it all out eventually or not. Either way you'll have
company..." It's a very relaxing intro which quietly fades into track two, Good
Morning Providence, one of my favorites. The album rips through song after song. Once it
ends, you sit wondering, "It's over?" This album puts you in a completely
relaxed state of mind.
Something that was noticed on previous releases by Chris was that there were small
references to his faith, and god. It seems that he has finished exploring that topic for
now, and has moved on to new topics. Most of the songs on this album are about the serious
car accident Simpson had. Glad to see he's ok, and I'm even more thrilled that he had the
courage to share these words with us.
Cinema Air is track three, which seems to be a kind of a pseudo reference to the perfect
person, a heroine of some sort: "Please tell the whole world I am here to be their
hero with a perect body and straight teeth and strings swelling everytime I blink."
I Was Born In Omaha, follows. It's primarily an acoustic track, but some full band action
is featured towards the middle and end of the song. This is probably my favorite song on
the entire album. Simpson's soothing voice howls, "I was born in Omaha to steal her
skeptic heart. My piano fingers tugging at the chord, cause life in a bubble can be the
sweetest thing sometimes. With the world just passing by outside your window...DREAM
OVER"
The rest of the album passes by flawlessly without a hitch, as track by track digs deeper
and deeper into the band's heart. The eight minute cries of Salvation Army are another
highlight of the album. Let's just cut to the last track of the album, Ambulance. It's the
perfect way to end the album, and is another one of my favorites. The band leaves us with
the final, "I will not apologize for anything I find when I go sifting through the
wreck you left behind to try and make something nice not just so angry all the
time..."
Hey, come out of the wreck Chris. I have a feeling a lot of people are going to love this
album if that does anything for recovery. Radiohead fans will probably love this album,
and indie scenesters across the board should welcome this album with open arms. I sure
did.
I honestly believe this is Chris Simpson's true masterpiece. It's tough for me to say
this, but this eclipses anything he has ever done, including Mineral. That's how good this
record is. It's hard to compare The Gloria Record and Mineral. They are two completely
different bands with music written at two completely different time periods in Simpson's
life.
The Gloria Record is a very talented band. Everything about them is amazing, and it will
be interesting to see how the band follows this one up. It's going to be tough, but I'm
sure it's possible. In the end, it's all about the music, and the music is here, thriving
at its best with Start Here. Chris Simpson is a true hero of independent music, and the
sad thing is, barely anyone realizes it. |