If you frantically start ripping out your hair while listening to the same 10 songs on Kiss 98.5 and Wild 101, you're not alone. If you're thoroughly convinced that there's a universal emo band that mysteriously has a different name every week, don't worry. Needtobreathe's "Daylight" is like an oxygen tank for drowning fans of popular music.
"Daylight," the debut album from the alternative band, who would make sense in current mainstream rock radio format, unlike many of the indie bands growing ever-more popular.
Though frontman Bear Rinehart's name might sound grizzly, his vocals are just the opposite. A vibrant voice accompanied by soothing music makes for a consistently pleasing sound, creating a mature style that most bands can't match on their debut album.
Needtobreathe's first single off the record "You Are Here" demonstrates the band's versatile sound and gives an insight into what the rest of the album sounds like. The vocals are a hybrid of Audioslave's Chris Cornell and Jon Foreman of Switchfoot. Bear's voice polishes everything off from beginning to end.
The band's sound also dabbles in many different styles, jumping from the catchy guitar rhythms in "Don't Wait For Daylight" to the upbeat drums employed in "Quit." Songs like "I Won't Look Back" show why their parents shelled out cash for piano lessons 20 years ago.
Lyrically creative, Needtobreathe's writing touches on many aspects of life. Whether it's searching for a soul mate, coping with changes, or striving for self-acceptance, Needtobreathe assembles a terrific piece of work. It's hard to expect any more from a debut record. The band has great potential for multiple breakout hits.
Photo: Courtesy of Mitchell Kish
