Search - This Ascension :: Tears in Rain

A good start, and they've gotten better since

Scott Sweet | Colorado Springs, CO | 01/30/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's fun to map the artistic progress of a group you like. "Tears in Rain" is the debut of a band and singer who have grown and become more polished with every release. In that respect, singer Dru Allen (HEY DRU!) is verrryyy similar to Shroud vocalist Lydia Fortner; you can hear each one seeking her voice at the start, and finding it by the next album. Musically, "Tears in Rain" has a balanced power-pop approach, not too goth, not too strident. Back in 1988, everything wasn't quantized and fleshed out like it is now. It's refreshing to reach into the past and hear a living, breathing drummer. These songs don't have the wall of sound we expect in most dark music. We're spoiled. The CD hits the ground running with "Intro" - no vocals and a fast beat. Most of the songs are mid-tempo, and "Alex Kidd" is the first one where I thought "Cool, they're growing into their sound." "Megan" begins as a ballad, then switches to rock. Cure-esque guitars and vocal harmonies come out more in the last four songs. Now that This Ascension's catalog is re-released, those of us who missed them the first time (like me) can enjoy the early sound of a band now in its prime. Also, I think it's past time for a new This Ascension album. That's just a fan talking. (Well, typing.)"