House of Never

House of Never
January 3, 2014 at 7:39pm
Upon hearing House of Never live at The Parish on October 30, 2013, I immediately recognized a band with power, progressive qualities, authenticity, and accessibility. Daniel James’s solid vocals really take control of every song. He particularly likes flowing melodies that descend, while tying each section together. Along with their hooks, each track has an individual character, rich progressions, and story-like lyrical content. The album starts with “On Your Wave”, a great introductory song with a driving metal riff and descending progression. It launches us into a triplet feel chorus, making a delightful contrast, and all sections are just wonderfully catchy. Indeed, this band is aware of style contrast, and songs such as “Mystery” and “The Rhythm Keeps Rolling” are examples of those ventures; the former being a multi-sectional ballad that laments on love, while the latter is more on the optimistic side with a 1970’s easy listening vibe to it. On track 6, we hear a profound pivotal point in the album. “We” starts with a piano ostinato, and then the keyboard effects really dramatize and develop the story, while the wavering vocals create the suspense and tension. “Flow” and “Fine Day” are powerful tracks that close the album, as guitarist Clay Finley takes the lead on the vocals over a juicy and heavy riff on track 9. I enjoyed House of Never as a whole, but “Fine Day” is one I can play on repeat and just take delight in each morsel it has to offer, including the reprise of On Your Wave during the last two minutes; a meditative yet intense conclusion to their self-titled record.
No FCC
Simian Music
Lauren Lyman 01/03/2014

http://houseofnever.com/ - Lauren Lyman, KOOP Radio, Austin, TX