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CD REVIEW: Levity’s Law - The Art of Losing
By Cyrus Rhodes - 01/13/2011 - 09:59 PM EST
Artist: Band: Levity’s Law
Album: The Art of Losing
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.levityslaw.com
Genre: Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock
Sounds Like: 3 Days Grace, Disturbd, Hinder
Technical Grade: 8/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8/10
Commercial Value: 7/10
Overall Talent Level: 7/10
Songwriting Skills: 7/10
Performance Skill: 7/10
Best Songs: Princess of Prices, Black Sheep
Weakness: More solo guitar, more harmonies, singer hard to understand
CD Review:
Grand Rapid Michigan 4 piece “Levity’s Law” releases their debut EP entitled The Art of Losing in 2010. Band members include Tyler Wheeler (vocals) Jeremy Bardwell (guitar) Matt Kirby (Bass) & Beau Riva (drums)
The EP kicks things off with radio friendly “My Affliction” Disgrace” a upbeat intro piece that serves up steady rock groove, catchy melody, & hooky vocal accents from Lead Singer Tyler Wheeler. Track 2 “Finding Panacea” is yet another impressive track that dishes out impressive STP type guitar riffs, driving rhythm, & impressive melodic vocals from Wheeler reminiscent of Scott Weiland. Track 3 “Princess of Prices” shifts gears with its progressive rock intro. This is probably my favorite song on the EP - here Levity’s Law delivers the perfect blend of hard rock, with catchy melodic hooks and vocal phrasing. It’s pretty much a hit waiting to happen. Levity’s Law music has a rock steady groove reminiscent of STP, 3 Days Grave, Hinder, & just a splash of Disturbd. The vocals style of Wheeler has a jagged edge, but goes down smooth, and sounds in the vein of Scott Weiland, James Hetfield, Lane Staley, & Mark Lanegan. As the CD slowly unfolds it’s obvious this band is an accomplished 4 piece (writing and playing). Levity’s Law also brings to the table a lot of musical variety via this 5 song catalog from catchy rock melodies to more dark pieces. It’s fair to say there’s something on this EP for just about everybody out there. The songs themselves are solid across the board, & the lyrical content is short & sweet & even provides flashes of conventional wisdom. The EP ends with Track 5 “Black Sheep” the perfect finale piece for an EP like this. From start to finish Levity’s Law takes no prisoners with their debut effort showcasing 5 amazing songs!
It’s hard to find any noticeable weaknesses on this EP. The snare drum is a bit think in the mix & I don’t recall hearing any solo guitar or harmonies on the EP. Vocals on some of the songs are extremely hard to decipher almost as if it’s sung in a foreign tongue or a heavy accent or something. Rather odd. Thus the critical (singer to listener) vocal connection misses the mark on several songs. It’s fair to say all songs over 4 minutes drag you to the finish line.
This EP is an impressive musical production from start to finish. There’s not a weak song on this entire catalog! In fact I would even go so far as to say 50% of this CD is radio friendly, & has hit potential. The musicianship is everything you would expect from a hard rock band. The guitar has bite, the bass and drums have solid bottom end, the songs are short and sweet musical experiences. Tyler Wheeler’s vocal abilities are first rate, he clearly possesses all he trademarks of an effective front man. He’s got the charisma, the ladies will love him, the guys will dig him, and he’ got the bad boy persona. I guess could go on and on all night about Levity’s Law, you simply have got to get your hands on some of his music to hear what I’m talking about. You should start with their debut EP.
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